Scope 3 Emissions Project

Project Overview

The Scope 3 Emissions Analysis and Planning project is committed to identifying strategies to mitigate indirect emissions campus-wide, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality

In partnership with Buro Happold Consulting, this project will analyze how to improve the quality of our Scope 3 data, develop a system to track Scope 3 emissions and visualize progress, and define priorities and strategies for Scope 3 management and impact. 

The recommendations from this project will inform the development of goals for adoption by U-M in 2025. In addition, it will identify practical steps we can begin implementing while goal-setting is in progress. 

Building on Past Efforts

This project stems from the university’s commitment to establish goals for a wide range of Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2025. 

It builds on past efforts to quantify U-M’s Scope 3 emissions and identify how to mitigate them, including: 

Timeline
Gantt chart depicts project timeline. It starts in July 2024 and ends in December, with community engagement phases in late September and late October.
Project Team and Leadership

Sponsor: Shana Weber, Associate Vice President for Campus Sustainability

Project Manager: Katrina Folsom, Office of Campus Sustainability

Project Team:

Anya Dale, Office of Campus Sustainability Sustainable Systems & Waste Manager

Ken Keeler, Office of Campus Sustainability Sr Sustainability Representative

Amanda Jarson, Project Coordinator

Advisory Council:

Janet Abbruzzese, U-M Health Chief Supply Chain Officer

Chip Amoe, U-M Health Sustainability Officer

Andy Berki, Office of Campus Sustainability Director

Alex Bryan, Student Life Director of Sustainability

Tony Denton, U-M Health, Senior VP and Chief ESG Officer

Alicia Echeveste, Student Representative, SEAS MS

Shoshannah Lenski, Center for Sustainable Systems Associate Director

Geoff Lewis, Center for Sustainable Systems Research Specialist

Ashley Ouendag, Procurement Services Procurement Operations Manager

Tally Thrasher, AVP and Chief Procurement Officer, Procurement Services

Contact: Katrina Folsom, Project Manager, [email protected] or 734-764-5728
What are Scope 3 Emissions?

Scope 3 emissions are the indirect greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a university’s activities that are not directly controlled by the university. These include emissions from purchased goods and services, university-sponsored travel, commuting, waste disposal, and others across 15 categories. Because these emissions come from diverse and indirect sources, they are often the hardest to measure and reduce.

Engagement Opportunities

Join this email list for project updates and event invitations. You’ll need to be logged into MCommunity to join the list. If you don’t have a umich email address, please email [email protected] to be added to the group. 

Past Engagement Materials

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback during two phases of engagement in fall 2024. Here are a few highlights. 

Draft Recommendations (as of 12/4/24)

Town Hall Presentation (Video)

Feedback Summary from Engagement Round 1