IMPACT WHERE IT MATTERS
Doing business with ZS
We work with suppliers to deliver goods and services that help us turn ideas into impact for our clients. By engaging in ethical and responsible sourcing, we foster inclusion, accountability and environmental stewardship throughout the supply chain.
We require all suppliers to uphold ethical and professional standards outlined in the following policies and guidelines:
We offer suppliers educational resources, training links and FAQs to help them navigate our requirements. By tailoring support to their individual needs and maintaining ongoing conversations, we help them meet evolving procurement expectations.
We use TealBook to validate supplier certifications and understand our supplier base, ensuring a range of businesses are identified and included in competitive RFx processes. Please register via Tealbook here, and we will contact you if we identify a fit with our current or future needs.
Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a ZS supplier.
Frequently asked questions for suppliers
Why do environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues—including carbon reduction—matter to ZS?
ZS has made a firm commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our entire value chain by 2045. This aligns with global climate goals and reflects our responsibility to operate sustainably.
To meet these goals, we need suppliers to track, report and reduce their own emissions, since the largest portion of our carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions.
Additionally, our clients require us to demonstrate strong ESG performance. Many of them have their own sustainability goals and expect suppliers (including ZS) to commit to and align with their carbon reduction strategies. They are increasingly asking us for detailed ESG data in request for proposals (RFPs) and procurement processes.
By improving our ESG performance and working with sustainable suppliers, we strengthen our ability to serve clients who prioritize sustainability. A strong ESG record helps us, and you, win business, retain clients and stay competitive.
Finally, being proactive about carbon tracking and complying with ESG requirements ensures we stay ahead of evolving global environmental laws.
What’s the Supplier Code of Conduct, and why does it matter?
Our Supplier Code of Conduct outlines how we expect our suppliers to operate responsibly. It covers fair business practices, ethical behavior, sustainability efforts and compliance with local and regional laws.
Why do I need to complete a third-party ESG assessment?
We require key suppliers, and encourage all other suppliers, to complete an annual ESG assessment through EcoVadis or another approved provider (such as CDP) to ensure alignment with our sustainability goals.
This is more than just a requirement—it’s a strategic investment. Completing an assessment:
• Demonstrates your commitment to environmental and social sustainability
• Provides valuable insights and benchmarking to improve performance
• Enhances credibility with your clients and stakeholders
• Gives access to training and best practices that drive long-term business success
By participating, suppliers not only meet our standards but can also strengthen their market position and unlock new opportunities with other sustainability-focused customers.
Learn more about CDP (formally known as the Carbon Disclosure Project)
Is an EcoVadis assessment necessary for small or service-based companies?
Even if your company is small, service-based or operates remotely, an EcoVadis assessment is still valuable. Sustainability isn’t just about manufacturing—it includes business ethics, inclusivity, responsible sourcing and energy use, all of which apply to companies of any size.
To ensure fairness, third-party assessments like EcoVadis tailor their questionnaires and costs based on company size and industry. This makes the process more accessible and relevant for different types of businesses.
Completing an EcoVadis assessment helps demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, strengthens credibility with clients and prepares your business for evolving market expectations.
What does ZS do with my company’s ESG metrics?
We use them internally to track progress, inform supplier engagement strategies and guide sourcing decisions.
We may also aggregate and anonymize insights in our annual public ESG Report.
Finally, with prior written consent, we may spotlight suppliers who demonstrate strong alignment with our ESG goals.
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and why should we track them?
GHG emissions are categorized into three scopes based on their source and the level of control a company has over them.
• Scope 1 (direct emissions): Emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company, such as fuel burned in company vehicles, onsite manufacturing or office heating systems
• Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy use): Emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling that a company uses but does not generate itself
• Scope 3 (value chain emissions): Emissions from activities outside a company’s direct control, including those from suppliers, transportation, business travel, employee commuting and product use. Scope 3 often makes up the largest share of a company’s total carbon footprint
Using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol—a globally recognized set of standards for measuring, managing and reporting GHG emissions—can help you track all three scopes to understand and reduce their total impact on the environment.
We all have a role to play in reducing carbon emissions. Tracking Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions helps us understand how to reduce our environmental impact.
How do we measure our emissions?
ZS strongly recommends following the GHG Protocol, an internationally recognized standard.
Do we need to set carbon reduction targets?
We require key suppliers, and encourage all other suppliers, to commit to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) within six months and create an official emissions reduction plan within two years. Learn more details about the SBTi target setting process.
What does renewable energy mean?
It means powering your operations with sources like solar, wind or hydro energy instead of fossil fuels. Learn more about renewable energy.
How do I report spend with small or medium enterprises (SMEs) and diverse-owned businesses?
The definitions of SMEs and diverse-owned businesses vary by country. A diverse supplier is typically 51% owned and operated by individuals from underrepresented groups (e.g., women, LGBTQ+, minority-owned businesses). ZS follows local regulatory definitions for small and diverse businesses.
Key suppliers must report with diverse suppliers and contractors supporting ZS, along with their calculation methodology, quarterly or as otherwise agreed. Suppliers that identify as a diverse-owned business must provide certification upon request.
Our company shares ZS’s ESG commitments. How can we partner together?
ZS is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable supply chain. We welcome partners who also value sustainability, ethics and human rights.
If your company is already demonstrating strong progress in these areas, we want to hear from you.
• Existing suppliers: Contact your ZS representative to share updates or explore new opportunities
• New suppliers: Contact us to help us learn more about your business
Strong alignment may lead to expanded opportunities, especially on projects with strict ESG requirements.
