Healthcare Innovator Builds a Reputation for Sustainability

Sustainability has emerged as a defining priority in healthcare around the world, shaping both corporate responsibility and competitive advantage. This cloud-based healthcare organization had a strategic opportunity to significantly improve its commitment to sustainability to meet strict sustainability compliance requirements from a key customer. Focusing on EcoVadis, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) standards, the organization needed a transformative approach to strengthen compliance, boost performance scores, and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions effectively.

Protiviti partnered with the client to build and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy that delivered significant compliance improvements while establishing a strong corporate responsibility function to support long-term ESG success.

Resolving operational gaps

The company was navigating complex sustainability requirements stemming from a key customer contract. These included adherence to EcoVadis and CDP standards, setting SBTi-aligned targets, and implementing strategies to reduce GHG emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 categories. While the client had made some existing sustainability elements throughout their business operations, there were still gaps in policies, data management, and emissions calculations limiting its ability to meet contractual obligations and achieve broader ESG goals.

The client wanted to align with its industry's best practices and strengthen its reputation as a sustainability leader. Addressing these challenges required not only technical expertise but also a strategic framework to embed sustainability throughout the organization.

Building stronger sustainability through collaboration

We began with a comprehensive review of contract requirements and existing procurement and sustainability policies, identifying compliance gaps and areas for improvement. We provided guidance on preparing submissions for EcoVadis and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), while also developing SBTi aligned goals and reduction strategies.

Working closely with the client, we developed a comprehensive GHG Inventory Management Plan and performed detailed Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions calculations using the GHG protocol methodology to ensure emissions data were tracked and reported accurately. As the initiative progressed, the scope of work expanded to include enhanced remediation efforts and strategic planning, all aimed at achieving long-term sustainability objectives.

Transformative results

The streamlined processes for the client’s EcoVadis and CDP submissions, along with targeted remediation efforts, enhanced the organization’s reputation and market competitiveness while the SBTi-aligned GHG reduction targets and strategies positioned the client as a leader in sustainability within the healthcare industry.  

The project delivered:

• Targeted remediation 
  Enhancing the client’s reputation and competitiveness in the market.
• SBTi-aligned reduction targets
  Positioning the client to develop as a sustainability leader in the healthcare industry.
• ESG program implementation roadmap
  Facilitating the identification of key performance indicators that improved monitoring and reporting accuracy.
• Enhanced organizational capacity in GHG emissions management
  Supporting better informed decision-making, enabling the client to identify more areas for emissions reduction.
• Stronger customer relationships
  Reinforcing the organization’s commitment to corporate responsibility and ensuring continued business relationships and compliance with contract terms.  

Through this partnership, the client not only met immediate contractual obligations but also established a foundation for sustained ESG excellence. As its industry continues to evolve, the company is well-positioned to lead the way in sustainability innovation, leveraging its enhanced capabilities to create lasting value for customers, stakeholders, and the environment.