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MASTER'S PROJECT: Scope 3 Emissions Assessment and Circular Economy Protocol Development at Ford Motor Company

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Goals & Objectives:

This project will establish:

    Scope 3 emissions Strategy including process mapping for Global Ford Operations by June 2018
    Follow-on Scope 3 submission and recommendations for continued long-term Scope 3 reduction strategy by May 2019
    Expand  Environmental Strategy to include other Circular Economy criteria including but not limited to material selection, water utilization, waste management/minimization, manufacturing process selection with recommendations to incorporate Circular Economy mindset and prioritize workstreams by May 2019.

Theoretical Justification, Social Benefit, or Significance:

In an effort to address Climate Change, we must all do our part to limit CO2 emissions.  Through the CDP Climate Change reporting, Ford documents our significant efforts to manage and reduce CO2 emissions for our direct operations (Scope 1 and 2).  It is commonly understood that Scope 3 emissions far exceed Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions so the potential opportunity to impact Climate Change is significant.  That being said, it is very challenging to thoroughly map the emissions sources to develop a glide path to Scope 3 emission reductions consistent with aligned objectives.  Implementation of the recommendations could have global effects from Scope 3 emission reductions.  Expanding project to include Circular Economy widens the Sustainability impact beyond emissions to encompass all aspects of the mobility is designed, implemented and recovered at end of life.

Specific Activities & Duration:

Benchmark Global Corporations that are recognized as leaders in Scope 3 reporting and Circular Economy activities.  Supplement Supplier data provided directly to Ford and separately to CDP in addition to utilizing vehicle volumes and in-use data to develop Global Scope 3 mapping.  Develop recommendations for long-term Scope 3 reductions glide path including regional and commodity specific workstreams.  Could include material or process substitution and logistics optimization.

Integrative Approach:

Research requires knowledge of environmental reporting requirements, manufacturing and materials with the ability to turn the process map into a strategic plan to improve overall corporate CO2 reductions while balancing financial and social sustainability.

Sponsor(s)
Ford Motor Company
Research Areas
Mobility Systems
Transportation