Walgreen Co. – Megan Williams – 2018

Goals

Walgreens Boots Alliance, a pharmacy-led, health, well-being and beauty company, is committed to reducing its energy use and climate impact. EDF Climate Corps fellow Megan Williams was hired to investigate the ways in which a targeted, carbon emissions reduction plan – including included energy efficiency activities, investment scenarios and a Scope 3 roadmap – could potentially help them reach their sustainability goals.

Solutions

Williams began by determining a Science-Based Target and offering ways that Walgreens Boots Alliance could meet both Scope 1 and 2. She offered energy efficiency activities with different investment scenarios and presented opportunities for strategic renewable energy procurement. She also worked across business divisions to assess the need and readiness to set a Scope 3 target. This resulted in the creation of a roadmap for Walgreens Boots Alliance to work toward evaluating the most significant climate impacts in its value chain.

Potential Impact

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s core operations are now on the path of carbon emissions reduction in line with climate science. Williams’ business case could potentially enable the company to move forward and meet their target and the Scope 3 roadmap also gives them the ability to set new goals, should they decide to do so. This information has increased awareness with stakeholders and will help the company demonstrate leadership in their field and social responsibility that is in keeping with their brand.