Great Lakes Cheese – Emily Stanislawzyk – 2024

SummaryEmily Stanislawzyk created Great Lake’s Cheese’s first comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory of Scope 3 emissions.GoalsGreat Lakes Cheese (GLC) has aligned its environmental goals with the U.S. Dairy Industry to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050. The company had already made significant progress on its Scope 1 and Scope 2 inventory but had not closely examined Scope 3. This project aimed to prepare GLC to set GHG emissions reduction targets by providing a clear picture of emissions associated with upstream and downstream indirect emissions.SolutionsTo create GLC’s first Scope 3 inventory, Emily started by identifying all sources of indirect emissions across the value chain, such as those from suppliers, transportation, and waste. She collected data from various internal departments and external partners, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Next, she used this data to quantify emissions and categorized them according to established protocols. Finally, she compiled the information into a comprehensive report and created an Inventory Management Plan, which set the stage for developing effective reduction strategies.Potential ImpactCreating a Scope 3 accounting inventory has a significant impact on the GLC’s future emissions reduction goal setting. By identifying and quantifying all indirect emissions across the value chain, the inventory provides a detailed understanding of where the company’s carbon footprint originates beyond its direct operations. This comprehensive insight allows GLC to target specific areas for improvement, prioritize reduction strategies, and set more informed, achievable goals. With a clear picture of the full scope of emissions, the company can collaborate with suppliers, optimize supply chains, and implement measures that effectively address the largest sources of indirect emissions, ultimately driving more impactful and strategic efforts toward meeting its greenhouse gas neutrality targets.