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Climate Corps Projects

Williams-Sonoma – Christina Shaffer – 2024

SummaryChristina 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.GoalsWSI 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.SolutionsChristina 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 ImpactChristina’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.

At a glance
Industry: Retail and Apparel
Project types:
  • Clean and Renewable Energy
  • Freight and Logistics
  • Supply Chain
  • Zero Emission Vehicles
Year: 2024
Location: San Francisco, CA
About the fellow
Christina Shaffer
Yale University

Who We Work With

EDF has collaborated with over 40% of Fortune 100 companies to align sustainability goals with bottom line gains