Vendor Requirements Playbook (Data Readiness + Carbon Asks)

Standardize vendor asks without vendor revolt: minimum requirements, escalation, and reusable templates

Run the OperationPlaybook45 min

What you'll accomplish

  • Standardize vendor data requirements across your portfolio
  • Create tiered requirement levels (minimum, standard, advanced)
  • Build templates for vendor onboarding and renewals
  • Establish escalation processes for non-compliance

Requirement levels

Minimum

Data readiness basics

  • •Provide invoices with line-item detail
  • •Respond to data requests within 5 business days
  • •Maintain consistent contact information
Standard

Operational excellence

  • •Submit monthly service reports
  • •Participate in quarterly business reviews
  • •Provide scope 3 emissions data on request
Advanced

Strategic partnership

  • •Integrate with data systems (API or automated exports)
  • •Proactive sustainability reporting
  • •Joint improvement initiatives

Common pitfalls

Requirements too vague

Fix: Use specific, measurable criteria

No enforcement mechanism

Fix: Tie to contract terms and renewals

One-size-fits-all approach

Fix: Tier requirements by vendor criticality

No escalation process

Fix: Document clear escalation steps

Change log

v1.0 (2026-01): Latest release