ZF’s vision for renewable energy usage across its supply chain faced some challenges, particularly in the North American region. Despite investing in internal resources and knowledge-sharing initiatives, ZF found suppliers hesitant to take the next step. Many suppliers needed more targeted support and actionable tools to grasp renewable energy solutions. 

To help ZF meet its renewable energy targets, we delivered a tailored approach built on market expertise, supplier engagement, and innovative technology to simplify renewable energy procurement.  

Local market expertise and education: ACT’s regional experts in the US, Canada, and Mexico led live sessions to educate ZF’s suppliers. These sessions demystified Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) and introduced renewable energy solutions tailored to their specific markets.  

Supplier engagement through our Decarbonization Platform: ACT’s Decarbonization Platform served as a central hub for suppliers, simplifying the procurement process with a streamlined click-and-purchase feature. This platform enabled suppliers to transition to renewables smoothly and offered continuous support - fostering a sense of shared commitment toward ZF’s goals. 

Customized renewable energy purchasing solutions: We provided ZF’s suppliers with EACs that met consistent quality criteria, over which ZF has full transparency, establishing standards for renewable purchases and ensuring that suppliers understood both the expectations and pathways to meet them. By tailoring the solutions to each supplier’s needs, ACT created a practical, scalable model that makes renewable energy accessible for even the smallest suppliers in ZF’s supply chain. 

Through ACT’s partnership, ZF’s suppliers were able to access critical resources and support that simplified their transition to renewable electricity. This collaboration led to several impactful outcomes: 

Deeper market understanding: Suppliers gained clear insights into energy sourcing in their specific regions, building confidence to take actionable steps. 

Streamlined renewable energy access: ACT’s Decarbonization Platform made renewable energy procurement fast and easy, removing barriers for suppliers to transition to renewable energy. 

Higher supplier engagement and commitment: By creating a more accessible pathway, ACT increased supplier participation, with many suppliers already onboarded onto the platform. 

ACT’s collaboration with ZF demonstrates the power of tailored, region-specific support in achieving ambitious sustainability goals. With practical tools, innovative technology, market expertise, and scalable solutions, ZF’s suppliers are now better equipped to meet renewable energy targets, contributing directly to ZF’s vision of a sustainable, renewable-powered supply chain. 

ACT continues to provide ZF and other global partners with the tools and insights to act on their environmental ambitions and achieve a lower-carbon future—one step at a time