Research Publications

According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting standard, Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions constitute emissions that result from indirect activities or assets not owned by an organization. Of all the GHG emissions generated by the food and beverage industry, as much as 90% are Scope 3, often stemming from complex agricultural, manufacturing, and distribution supply chains out of the direct control of large brands (Greenhouse Gas Protocol, 2015). In an effort to address and mitigate climate change for their farmer-owned cooperative, Ocean Spray Cranberries (OSC) sought help to conduct a GHG inventory of Scope 3 emissions and identify Scope 3 reduction targets.

The University of Michigan Master’s Project team was tasked with conducting a GHG inventory of Scope 3 emissions to assess the baseline of OSC indirect emissions. A value chain map was created in conjunction with OSC’s sustainability team. A specialized Scope 3 calculator relevant to OSC’S Scope 3 categories and updated emissions factors was developed as a tool to assess indirect emissions. In addition, the team helped calculate upstream transportation and distribution emissions reductions associated with shifts to regional production in Canada and Australia.

This project provided tools to help inform OSC’s corporate climate strategy to mitigate the effects of and adapt to climate change. Students received better insight into the challenges associated with accounting for and reducing indirect Scope 3 emissions.