Williams-Sonoma – Rachel Gould – 2021

Goals

Rachel Gould was tasked with evaluating efficiency projects, renewable energy options, such as PPAs and green utility programs, and credible carbon offsets to enable Williams-Sonoma, Inc. to reduce its absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year and become carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 by 2025.

Solutions

Rachel aided in the development of the key levers of WSI’s 10-year renewable energy roadmap. She researched regulated U.S. electricity markets for approved green utility programs and compiled a database of opportunities for reductions in all places in which WSI operates. She prioritized the most cost-effective opportunities with the greatest greenhouse gas emission reductions. Rachel also analyzed and recommended credible carbon offset providers through both voluntary and regulated markets to meet WSI’s carbon neutral goal. 

Potential Impact

Rachel’s roadmap for green power purchases from utilities will reduce WSI’s scope 2 emissions by over 230,000 metric tons by 2030. The procurement of the selected credible carbon offsets will enable WSI to meet its carbon neutral by 2025 goal. Additionally, research provided on internal carbon pricing will provide WSI a monetary tool to factor into business and investment decisions.