Request Your Suppliers to Provide Emission Data

As a trader in kolum, you may not always have emissions data for the goods you supply to your EU buyers, especially when these goods come from your own upstream suppliers. kolum allows you to request your suppliers to enter emissions data directly, ensuring your buyers receive high-quality data while keeping your supplier network confidential.

Using this approach:

• Your suppliers enter data directly into kolum, linked to the goods you supply.

• You stay informed about data progress while maintaining visibility and control.

• Your EU buyers only see the emissions data tied to your articles, never your supplier details.

This method is ideal when you want to ensure emissions data accuracy from the source without manually managing spreadsheets or back-and-forth email chains.

Why This Matters

• Ensures emissions data is accurate and entered by the supplier who produced the goods.

• Maintains your supplier network confidentiality—buyers see data, not supplier identities.

• Keeps emissions data organized, removing the need for email tracking or manual file uploads.

• Supports your buyer relationships by ensuring they receive required data on time for compliance.

Before You Start

Ensure you:

• Have identified which articles you need emissions data for.

• Have your supplier contacts ready and are prepared to send them invitations via kolum.

• Communicate with your suppliers about the purpose of providing emissions data to avoid delays.

Where to Start

1. Log in to kolum.

2. Go to the Suppliers section in the sidebar.

3. Click “Add Supplier” if your supplier is not yet in the system and send an invitation to join kolum.

4. Once your supplier has accepted, link them to the relevant goods you supply to your EU buyer.

How It Works

1. Select the Buyer: Navigate to the Buyers section and select the buyer you want to provide emissions data for.

2. Select the Article: From the list of articles, click “Provide Emission Data” next to the relevant article.

3. Choose Method: Select “Request Your Supplier to Provide Emission Data.”

4. Choose the Supplier: Select which supplier you want to request data from for this article.

5. Send Request: Your supplier will receive a clear, guided prompt within kolum to provide:

   • Country of origin

   • Production method

   • Direct and indirect emissions per tonne

   • Production facility details (if applicable)

6. Monitor Progress: You can view the status of requests in kolum and will be notified when your supplier submits data.

7. Review Data: Once your supplier submits data, you can review it before it is shared with your buyer.

What Happens After Submission

• The emissions data entered by your supplier is linked to the specific article you supply to your buyer.

• You remain the sole interface with your EU buyer; your buyer does not see your supplier’s identity.

• If needed, you can reject the data and request corrections from your supplier.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Inform your suppliers about why they are being asked to provide emissions data so they understand the urgency and relevance.

• Use this method when you need accurate data tied to real production rather than estimates.

• Follow up promptly with suppliers who have not responded to requests to avoid delays in providing data to your buyer.

Common Questions

Will my EU buyer know who my suppliers are?

No, your buyer will only see the emissions data for the article, not your supplier’s identity or contact information.

Can I edit the data submitted by my supplier?

No, but you can reject the data and request corrections if necessary before it is finalized.

What if my supplier does not want to use kolum?

You can alternatively collect data from your supplier offline and provide emissions data directly in kolum yourself.