The Complete Picture: Going Climate Positive
When BearVault began assessing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions, we dove deep and all the way to the bottom. Instead of relying on simple calculators and overly simplified certifications, we took a close look at everything we do in our operations. We also chose to look beyond our own location (Tier 1) and use higher-tier methods to really investigate the cradle-to-grave impact of our product lifecycle to understand the complete emissions picture. Here is a quick overview of the types of emissions:
Tier 1
Everything associated with our own manufacturing facility, right down to transporting components to, and finished goods from our location. We used the EPA Simplified GHG Emissions Calculator (SGEC), Version 7, which was created by the EPA’s Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, to calculate our Tier one emissions. Our total emissions for Tier 1 were 153 mT (metric tons) of CO2 equivalents. Within Tier 1 there are three “scopes” to measure:
- Scope 1 – Direct Emissions from our own facility and vehicles.
- Scope 2 – Indirect Emissions from energy purchased for use at our facility
- Scope 3 – Indirect Emissions from all transportation of goods, both incoming and outgoing; waste, employee commuting, leased assets, etc.
BearVault’s Scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions in 2024: 153mT CO2e
Tier 2
We did a more in-depth Tier 2 analysis because we didn’t feel the SGEC adequately covered the full lifecycle of our products. With this analysis, we were able to fully incorporate all aspects of our component manufacturing, from sourcing raw materials to processing, molding, and recycling. We used key source categories for the USA, where we manufacture. Since estimates vary across authorities, we used a blended ratio based on EPA and industry data for similar component products. Our total emissions for the Tier 2 analysis were 551mT (metric tons) of CO2 equivalents.
Refining the Numbers
Typically, Tier 2 is performed instead of Tier 1, but we used the most effective analysis method for each stage of our product cycle and then combined the results. The Tier 2 analysis took a more standardized approach to our component type across its lifecycle, while our Tier 1 Analysis allowed us to delve into our specific production impact. This Tier 2 analysis identified an additional 551 mT of CO2e.
BearVault’s cradle-to-grave emissions in 2024: 704mT CO2e
Climate Conscious: Overcompensating with Offsets
Partly, we’re insecure about what people have done to Mother Nature, so we leaned toward overcompensation. But mostly, we became very excited when we started looking into offset options. In our excitement, we purchased more offset credits than we are technically responsible for, effectively going climate-positive. Why compensate when you can do more? Also, being bear people, we tend to get pretty excited about ways to help nature. We offset 750 mT in total.
BearVault’s total offset in 2024: 750mT CO2e
Looking Forward: Emissions Reductions
Offsetting emissions is an integral part of the path to being Climate Positive. However, no climate strategy is complete without reducing carbon emissions. At BearVault, we have set a bold goal of reducing emissions intensity by 10% over 10 years. (2021 base year, 2030 target year). As a small business with a limited product selection, this will be challenging to achieve. However, we have already begun the adventure by reducing packing and shipping emissions and will continue to find new ways to protect the environment.
Our 10-year goal
10% CO2e Reduction
Our 2024 Offset Project of Choice
Located on a remote island off the coast of Alaska lies a pristine old-growth spruce forest. This island is a paradise for bears, who thrive in an ecosystem that sequesters large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. Without protection, even this remote landscape would be at significant risk of logging, hunting, and poaching. Now, this land can recover and continue to sequester carbon forever. This project’s carbon credits are managed and verified by Cool Effect.
Previous Offset Projects
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, the Nature Conservancy’s Chestnut Mountain project protects a portion of the world’s largest hardwood Plateau. Goals include protecting and improving the forest's resilience, safeguarding the local water supply, providing an education and research platform, and protecting local wildlife. Several bats, green salamander, black bear, bobcat, red and gray foxes and timber rattlesnake call the region home. This project’s carbon credits are managed and verified by Cool Effect.
Klawock Heenya is a forest preservation project on tribal land on Prince of Wales Island, in Alaska. This coastal rainforest is a prime black bear habitat that is threatened by logging. By preserving the forest in its natural, healthy state, this project helps sustain land and jobs for the Klawock Heenya Indigenous people. The project’s carbon credits are managed and verified by Cool Effect.
Heartland Ranch Nature Preserve, a grasslands preservation project in Colorado, our home state. We wanted to invest in local projects, and it turns out prairies are a secure long-term carbon sequestration option, because they are less susceptible to damage by drought and wildfire than tall, high-biomass forests. Heartland Ranch is managed by the Southern Plains Land Trust, and it is home to bison as well as smaller grassland species and a handful of rare plants. Native is a carbon credit broker that ensures projects meet stringent standards like the Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard, and Climate Action Reserve.
CarbonFree – We became a Carbon Free Partner, and offset our shipping footprint with verified offset credits from the Carbon Fund portfolio of projects. Their portfolio contains a variety of validated projects focused on Energy Efficiency, Forestry, and Renewable Energy.
How do we offset emissions?
Despite our continual efforts to curb waste and emissions, some emissions cannot be removed. We then source ethical offsets that sequester real carbon and make a difference.
Feeling Inspired?
Protecting the environment takes all of us. The good news is that you can calculate your personal carbon footprint, look for ways to reduce it, and offset what you can’t reduce.