BEWI has gained structure in the ESG screening of their suppliers

Lack of structured knowledge about suppliers’ ESG work

“When BEWI works seriously with sustainability and ESG, it naturally requires that our suppliers do the same,” explains Trond Bekken, Chief Procurement Officer at BEWI.

“Previously, we lacked a common and structured approach to documenting our suppliers’ ESG efforts. The selection of suppliers was often based on the local processes and knowledge of each purchaser,” he continues.

“We also wanted to streamline the process so that a supplier operating in several countries would not need to document for each country individually, but only once, when the initiatives are the same everywhere. We want to save time without wasting the supplier’s time.”

One questionnaire creates overview and consistent screening across the organisation

“Together with D4, we have developed a tool for supplier management of ESG. It is built around a digital questionnaire with eight categories, where suppliers are asked to document their sustainability work,” says Trond Bekken.

“In our initial analysis, suppliers are classified as low, medium, or high risk. Suppliers in the medium- and high-risk groups are registered in the platform and must complete the questionnaire. It covers areas such as supply chain management, human rights, occupational health and safety, business ethics, and environmental practices.”

The responses form the basis for a risk assessment, where the purchaser decides which follow-up actions may be necessary to ensure that the supplier meets BEWI’s ESG standards and Code of Conduct.

We save time, minimise errors, and have better documentation across the supply chain

“The tool helps us comply with due diligence requirements – while saving time and resources and minimising the risk of errors. The entire group now has a shared digital basis for decision-making that everyone can rely on,” says Trond Bekken.

“The questionnaire is designed so that you reach completion by answering ‘yes’ and documenting your responses with relevant approvals and certificates. If you answer ‘no’, the questionnaire automatically opens additional questions to uncover which alternative measures the supplier has implemented.”

“If a supplier cannot document everything, we begin a dialogue. The purpose of the dialogue is to help the supplier progress, so that together we can raise the standard and create a more responsible and sustainable future,” says Trond Bekken.

A tool that supports future requirements

“As a Norwegian company, we must be able to document our ESG work in accordance with both national requirements and EU legislation – including CSRD and the upcoming CSDDD,” says Trond Bekken.

“Our next step is to be able to screen subcontractors further down the value chain – the so-called tier 2 screening. When you have ambitious sustainability goals, it is important to keep developing and improving. Here, the tool is a valuable support for us,” concludes Trond Bekken.