ESG Data Collaboration in Supply Chains Key to Net Positive & GHG Emission Visualization

Collecting and utilizing data on the impact of business activities on society and the environment contributes to achieving Net Positive. According to this study, the region/industry with the highest Net Positive achievement was the retail sector in Europe. Many companies in this region have reported that data collection "significantly helped" in reducing negative social and environmental impacts. Looking at the responses from all surveyed companies, data collection was found to be significantly (28.1%) or moderately (50.2%) helpful in promoting Net Positive.

In Fujitsu's Net Positive initiatives, the first step was also to measure data related to social and environmental impact and visualize both positive and negative effects. By collecting data and pursuing the maximization of positive impacts and minimization of negative impacts, we are enhancing our Net Positive maturity.

Once internal data collection and utilization mature, the next step involves external data collaboration. In the article “Overcoming the company size dilemma: A roadmap for sustainable business transformation”, we noted that the first step towards achieving Net Positive (especially for SMEs with limited management resources) is active information gathering and external collaboration. By sharing and integrating Net Positive-related data with stakeholders across one's business, it is possible to maximize the positive and minimize the negative social and environmental impacts across the entire supply chain.

However, external data collaboration is not easy. In this study, the most frequently cited barrier to promoting Net Positive was "supply chain issues (e.g., lack of transparency or supplier cooperation)" at 53.9%. Only 14.5% of companies reported highly integrating data across their entire supply chain.

Fujitsu collaborates on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) related data with 15 suppliers in its own supply chain (as of October 2025). However, we faced various challenges to reach this point. Specifically, these included gaining supplier approval for data sharing, addressing international and domestic standards for data collaboration, and concerns about information leakage.

Regarding supplier approval, we engaged in individual dialogues with each company to share the importance of the initiative. For compliance with standards, we established data models and collaboration methods that adhere to both international and domestic standards, ensuring interoperability.

Concerns about information leakage have been addressed through technology. According to this study, only about 20% of companies have implemented technology to securely share data with internal and external stakeholders. However, the technology to overcome the barriers to Net Positive promotion is already available. Fujitsu is utilizing its Uvance offering, "ESG Management Platform," to develop a system that allows external data collaboration while ensuring confidentiality, thereby achieving visualization of GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions across the entire supply chain.