Williams-Sonoma – Christina Shaffer – 2024
Summary
Christina engaged key stakeholders within Williams Sonoma, Inc. (WSI)’s Transportation function to propose opportunities for carbon reduction in the movement of freight throughout the global supply chain. Additionally, she conducted a geographical analysis of WSI suppliers in overseas markets to recommend those with potential for renewable energy development.
Goals
WSI has committed to reducing Scope 3 supply chain emissions by 14% by 2030 as part of its science-based target (SBT). Initially focused on materials and suppliers, the company expanded its efforts this summer to address upstream and downstream transportation. Christina was appointed to lead cross-functional collaboration with the global transportation team, driving decarbonization efforts, starting with ocean freight and expanding to multiple transportation modes.
Solutions
Christina started by conducting a comprehensive landscape analysis of the maritime shipping industry, examining its goals, challenges, regulations, and emerging technologies. She also interviewed WSI’s key ocean carriers to assess their sustainability offerings and quantify the cost and environmental impact on high-priority trade routes, as well as the potential of alternative fuels in supporting WSI’s climate objectives. Her research resulted in strategic recommendations to refine emissions calculations, pilot green fuels, and commit to a clear roadmap for transportation emissions reductions. To support WSI’s goal of accelerating green financing for renewable energy across its value chain, Christina also analyzed environmental data from over 300 vendors to pinpoint high-potential markets for solar projects.
Potential Impact
Christina’s project empowered WSI to significantly enhance the accuracy of emissions data from its ocean carriers, positioning the company to achieve substantial reductions in a critical new category of Scope 3 emissions. Her analysis not only set the stage for these absolute reductions but also created a scalable framework for tackling emissions reductions across other modes of transportation, driving WSI closer to its long-term sustainability goals.
