Elia Group's Commitment to Sustainability
The Elia Group, a prominent transmission system operator, is at the forefront of driving successful energy transitions through innovative technology. By developing its own software, Elia Group aims to enhance sustainability and address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. This initiative involves creating a comprehensive solution for collecting and analyzing carbon footprint data from suppliers.
From Spreadsheets to Digital Platforms
Previously reliant on spreadsheets, Elia Group's carbon data management faced limitations, particularly in calculating Scope 3 upstream emissions. Scope 3 refers to greenhouse gas emissions from indirect activities, such as supply chains. With rising demands for greener practices, Elia Group developed a platform to accurately capture this data directly from suppliers, thus providing more reliable carbon footprint reporting.
Digitized Data Integration
The custom software facilitates integration of CO2-related data into daily business activities. Suppliers access the platform securely to share data, which is aggregated automatically to calculate emissions. As legal requirements evolve, Elia's solution ensures control and auditability of all reported data.
Collaborating for Expertise
In collaboration with Flexso, a partner with extensive SAP experience, Elia Group used SAP's Business Technology Platform (BTP) to develop the Scope 3 Accounting platform. This collaboration ensures robust development, leveraging SAP's expertise in resource planning and business solutions.
Impactful Results and Future Plans
The platform's initial deployment in 2023 demonstrated significant improvements in Scope 3 reporting, utilizing real-time data from numerous purchase orders. Marco Nix, Elia Group’s interim CFO, highlighted the platform's benefits in enhancing transparency and data quality for investment activities.
Beyond Scope 3 emissions, the platform provides insights into resource scarcity, logistical challenges, and material origins, proving invaluable for maintaining a digital supply chain record.
Recognition and Future Directions
Elia Group’s innovative platform earned recognition at the 2024 SAP Innovation Awards, acknowledging its role in improving both business operations and societal impacts. Moving forward, Elia Group intends to foster awareness and behavioral changes by offering precise carbon assessments and new innovations to stakeholders.
By delivering the best available data, Elia Group is not just advancing its own sustainability goals but also encouraging broader adoption of environmentally responsible practices.
