Evaluating Upstream Scope 3 Emissions and Setting Science-Based Targets for Cree Inc.

Cree Inc. is a manufacturing company headquartered in Durham, North Carolina that produces LED, power and radio frequency products. Using data provided by Cree and an emissions calculation tool based on input-output LCA provided by Quantis and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, we calculated Cree’s upstream scope 3 emissions. This included the following categories: Purchased Goods and Services, Capital Goods, Fuel and Energy-Related Activities Not Included in scope 1 or scope 2, Upstream Transport, and Employee Commuting. These calculations built off of previous collaborations with Duke student teams and completed an inventory of Cree’s scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. We then modeled science-based targets using a twelve-year timeline and based on a 1.5° Celsius global warming projection scenario. Our team supplemented this data by providing Cree with case study observations and next step recommendations for how to implement the suggested targets and achieve the necessary emissions reductions.