Beyond Greenwashing: Why audited carbon neutrality is the new benchmark for B2B partnerships

Companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate real progress on climate action. But in an environment clouded by vague sustainability claims, how can you tell who is genuinely delivering and who is greenwashing? 

One answer is to follow the audit trail. 

Emissions challenge 

For many organisations, Scope 3 emissions, those generated by suppliers, service providers, and other indirect sources, represent the majority of their total carbon footprint. According to the Australian Climate Leaders Coalition, these emissions can account for up to 70% of a business’s overall impact. 

Yet these are the hardest to measure and control. You may be reducing your direct emissions, but unless your suppliers are doing the same, your sustainability targets remain out of reach. 

This is why procurement and ESG teams are shifting their focus. Increasingly, businesses are asking not just what their suppliers say about sustainability, but what they can prove. 

Verified partners 

Audited carbon neutrality is becoming the baseline for B2B relationships. Companies want certainty that their partners are not only aware of their carbon impact but are actively managing and offsetting it in line with credible standards. 

Engaging certified partners helps: 

• Reduce your Scope 3 emissions through the supply chain 

• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators and investors 

• Build trust with customers and other stakeholders 

• Align your procurement practices with your ESG strategy 

Certification provides the assurance that actions taken are measurable, reportable and independently verified. 

Certification standard 

In Australia, Climate Active is the leading government-backed program for certifying carbon neutral organisations, products and services. It requires a rigorous assessment of emissions, a clear plan for reduction, and full offset of any remaining impact. 

Unlike self-declared green claims, Climate Active certification involves third-party audits and annual renewals. It ensures transparency and comparability, giving your business confidence when selecting partners. 

Automic difference 

At Automic, we recognised early that genuine leadership on climate action required more than internal policy. It required third-party verification. 

Today, Automic is a Climate Active certified organisation. Achieving and maintaining this certification means undergoing a comprehensive audit of our carbon footprint across all operations, including energy use, travel, IT infrastructure and supply chain. We have implemented emissions reduction initiatives and offset any remaining impact through high integrity, verified offsets. 

This certification gives our clients and stakeholders confidence. When companies choose Automic, they know their partner is not just talking about sustainability but delivering on it. 

Sustainability advantage 

Sustainability is no longer a niche priority. It is now a procurement consideration, an investment criterion, and a reputational risk. 

Working with certified partners is one of the most effective ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions and make your ESG commitments credible. 

Ready to build a more sustainable supply chain? Discover how partnering with a Climate Active certified organisation can help you reach your goals.  

About Climate Active  

Climate Active is Australia’s collective initiative for climate action. Driven by members and activated by consumers, Climate Active is a unique government-backed  

program that enables businesses, government and the community to reduce carbon emissions. Climate Active is a rigorous, government-backed carbon neutral certification for businesses. For more information visit www.climateactive.org.au.