The Clear Links Report on IT Supply Chain Transparency

How do the top tech companies manage their supply chains for risk and sustainability?

This report from Det Norsk Veritas valuates 26 U.S. technology companies on their reporting of sustainability management throughout their supply chains. By identifying best-in-class practices in sustainable supply chain reporting, we hope to encourage increased transparency throughout the U.S. Information and Communications Technology industry.

According to the Global Reporting Initiative, voluntary sustainability reporting has been on the rise globally. Among U.S. companies, reporting increased 22 percent between 2009 and 2010. Stakeholder demand for greater transparency on the environmental, social, and governance factors impacting companies and their suppliers has spurred this growth in corporate disclosure.

Among many stakeholders, there is a growing expectation that globalized companies are accountable for the sustainability performance of their suppliers. As a result, the sustainability performance of a firm’s supply chain can become a downside risk with its associated operational challenges. Sustainability reporting is considered by some to be critical in managing these stakeholder expectations, but it can also serve as a valuable tool in identifying and managing risks and opportunities while driving and monitoring sustainability performance indicators along the supply chain.