MANAGING SUPPLIER GREENWASHING WITH THE HELP OF AI
“ Greenwashing is a critical risk, and we don’ t manage it by relying on a static, self-reported annual certificate. For us, ESG evaluation isn’ t a point-intime event at renewal. Rather, it’ s a continuous, program-driven process and depending on the topic and supplier maturity, some checks can run as frequently as weekly. That helps us focus on real performance signals, not periodic declarations.
During a negotiation, AI supports cross-verification and highlights where claims don’ t look credible. We use multiple validation levers depending on the ESG dimension, on-site audits and physical verification for critical compliance areas, more controlled digital inputs where suppliers use Schneider-prescribed tools and methodologies( for example, standardised emissions factors), and AI-based logical checks that screen for anomalies, inconsistencies and outliers.
A key part is triangulation. Supplierreported information is automatically benchmarked against public disclosures, sector performance trends and the supplier’ s own historical patterns. If something doesn’ t match, we can challenge it immediately, ask for evidence and assess whether the trajectory is credible.” – Ard Verboon, Chief Procurement Officer at Schneider Electric