White Paper Report

Over the past few years, we have watched companies focus more and more on reducing carbon emissions in their supply chains. We have attended the same conferences that you attend, we have read the same reports and white papers, we have analyzed the same types of CO₂ emissions data, and we agree: a large percentage of your corporate emissions—and therefore large opportunities to reduce your footprint—reside in your supply chain.

Wal-Mart famously has begun a campaign to require their suppliers to reduce emissions. Timberland is working with some of its competitors and the Outdoor Industry Association to improve processes in their supply chains. Stonyfield Farm measured cow burps and learned that the cows were their largest emitters. The coffee industry is taking a long, hard look at issues in and around its supply.

With the knowledge that addressing emissions in a supply chain can be overwhelming and complex, we have developed an integrated approach for companies. Our original model of developing and marketing carbon offset projects now includes strategies to identify and fund opportunities in our clients’ supply chains. So far, we have used our knowledge, experience, and connections to create emissions reductions by:

• Improving efficiency and re-purposing waste on the farms that supply milk and crops to our food industry clients
• Providing safe, clean drinking water, preventing deforestation, and encouraging reforestation in the regions that grow coffee for our coffee industry clients

The excitement of discovering new ways to reduce carbon emissions—and realizing how the programs can also benefit employees and growers in a company’s supply chain—was particularly evident following a recent trip by members of our project development team to coffee growing regions in Africa. During this trip, they oversaw the installation of water filtration systems in the homes of people who work on coffee plantations. Normally, these workers have to burn wood to boil and purify their water. But the new filters provide clean drinking water without the need for combustion, which improves the air quality in their homes, conserves trees, and, of course, reduces greenhouse gas pollution.

During the trip to Africa, the project development team also met with one of our partner NGO organizations to begin evaluating the cost and carbon reduction benefits associated with planting shade trees in and around coffee groves. This project is now being modeled and we expect it will be implemented in 2013.

There are many opportunities for organizations to reduce their carbon emissions both onsite and off—some that are obvious, and some that take time to uncover. But one thing is clear: reducing greenhouse gas pollution is an important goal. Over the coming months, we look forward to seeing how we can utilize our expertise to further reduce emissions within corporate supply chains.

If you have an opportunity or idea you would like to explore, we want to hear from you. Contact us at 800-924-6826.