Introduction
Cascade Designs, Inc. is committed to progressing towards climate neutrality. Our first steps along this journey will be measuring and reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions across all scopes. In 2021 we estimated our carbon footprint to be 75,503 tCO2e using Climate Neutral’s Brand Emission Estimate (BEE) tool. We also joined the Climate Action Corps and are looking forward to networking with and learning from other outdoor industry companies that are further along their climate action journey. We aim to achieve a 45% GHG emission reduction by 2030 from a 2021 baseline and net zero by 2050. We will also submit annual progress reports to the Climate Action Corps.
Measure
Cascade Designs has estimated its high-level GHG emissions across all scopes using Climate Neutral’s BEE tool. This tool follows the conventions of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and uses GHG emission data from trusted sources. The results of our high-level carbon footprint are as follows:
- 1,210 tCO2e: Scope 1 Emissions are direct emissions under company control such as natural gas used to heat your office and diesel burned in fleet vehicles
- 9,291 tCO2e: Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy. These are emissions created during the production of the energy eventually consumed by the company.
- 65,001 tCO2e: Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions from your supply chain—these are the greatest share of carbon footprint, covering emissions associated with business travel, procurements, waste and more
Plan
Following our initial carbon footprint refinement, we will set specific short- and long-term Science-Based Targets (SBTs) for reduction. These SBTs will be consistent with the level of decarbonization required to keep the global temperature increase well below 2°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures.
Reduce
We will use our initial refined carbon footprint measurement to identify and target parts of our business that will have the greatest effectiveness in reducing our carbon footprint. We have added environmental impact checks to our product development process and will continue to pursue low-carbon materials and processes. We will also continue to pursue renewable energy and energy efficiency throughout our supply chain.
Remove
Once we have a clearer understanding of our accurate carbon footprint, we will aim to budget funds to purchase carbon offsets to reach net zero.
Energy Usage
Seattle, WA
Our Seattle, WA manufacturing facility and offices are powered by Seattle City Light, with a renewable energy mix of 89%.
ENERGY GENERATION TYPE PERCENTAGE:
- Hydroelectric: 84%
- Unspecified: 6%
- Nuclear: 5%
- Wind: 4%
- Biogas: 1%
- Source: Seattle City Light, 2019
RENO, NV
In Reno, NV, our manufacturing facilities and distribution center are powered by NV Energy, which has a growing renewable energy portfolio of 18%.
ENERGY GENERATION TYPE PERCENTAGE:
- Natural Gas: 73%
- Renewable Sources: 18%
- Coal: 9%
- Source: NV Energy, 2019
Cork, Ireland
In Cork, IR our manufacturing facilities and distribution center are powered with a renewable energy mix of 42%.
ENERGY GENERATION TYPE PERCENTAGE:
- Natural Gas: 51%
- Wind: 36%
- Hydroelectric: 4%
- Biogas: 4%
- Coal and Peat: 5%
- Source: SEAI, 2020