Measure First: Stop Spending on the Wrong Carbon Fixes

Send me a messageWhat if your biggest carbon win is not where your team is looking?In this episode of Resilient Supply Chain, I’m joined by John Beath, CEO and Chief Technical Director of John Beath Environmental. John brings a process engineer’s eye to sustainability, which means fewer slogans and far more practical questions about supply chain resilience, risk, data, visibility, and what actually moves the emissions number.You’ll hear how companies often spend huge effort on visible fixes while missing the real hotspots buried in raw materials, suppliers, logistics, waste, and Scope 3 emissions. John shares a brilliant example of a company working hard to remove styrofoam cups from a cafeteria, when a tiny thermostat change could have had a far larger impact. Painful? Slightly. Useful? Absolutely.We break down why lifecycle assessment matters, why primary supplier data beats assumptions, and why “greener” materials do not always reduce your footprint. You might be surprised to learn that one solar panel manufacturer thought silicon was the issue, only to discover the aluminium frame was the real carbon culprit. Changing that cut the product footprint in half.We also get into cost, green claims, recycling, waste, clinical trials, patient travel, and why carbon measurement only matters if it leads to better business decisions.🎙️ Listen now to hear John Beath explain how better data can help leaders stop chasing the wrong carbon fixes.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on supply chain resilience, AI, and sustainability?I help leaders understand the forces reshaping global supply chains, from geopolitical disruption and climate risk to AI and real-time decision-making. Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpckFinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.