At Emerger Strategies, we work with fishing and outdoor brands to measure & improve their sustainability performance, all while boosting profits. We are proud to present this case study demonstrating how our partnership with Crazy Creek has helped them meet REI Product Impact Standards’ while also finding ways to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Client Overview
Crazy Creek has built a reputation for manufacturing durable, long-lasting, and portable chairs designed for hikers, campers, boaters, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts. As part of their commitment to sustainability and business growth, Crazy Creek sought to align with REI’s Product Impact Standards and the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Climate Action Corps requirements.
Challenges
Crazy Creek faced several challenges in complying with REI’s and OIA’s sustainability requirements:
- Understanding and responding to REI’s Product Impact Standards assessment.
- Measuring their scopes 1-3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Setting science-based targets (SBTs) to reduce emissions.
- Developing a Climate Action Plan to ensure long-term sustainability and compliance.
Our Approach
Emerger Strategies partnered with Crazy Creek to simplify sustainability compliance and provide a clear roadmap for meeting REI and OIA requirements. Our approach included:
- REI Product Impact Standards Assessment Guidance
- Assisted Crazy Creek in completing REI’s Product Impact Standards assessment.
- Ensured alignment with REI’s expectations for sustainable product design and responsible manufacturing.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measurement
- Conducted a comprehensive Scopes 1-3 GHG inventory for Crazy Creek.
- Identified emissions sources and provided actionable insights for reduction opportunities.
- Science-Based Target Setting
- Guided Crazy Creek in establishing science-based targets (SBTs) aligned with global climate goals.
- Helped define emissions reduction goals in accordance with OIA Climate Action Corps guidelines.
- Climate Action Plan Development
- Created a tailored Climate Action Plan outlining key initiatives to reduce emissions.
- Provided a step-by-step strategy to track progress and ensure continuous improvement.
Results & Impact
- Crazy Creek successfully completed REI’s Product Impact Standards assessment, maintaining compliance with a key retail partner, which has helped Crazy Creek strengthen their relationship with REI.
- The company gained a clear understanding of its carbon footprint through accurate GHG emissions measurement, which helped them avoid costly compliance mistakes.
- Science-based targets were set, positioning Crazy Creek as an environmental leader in the outdoor industry, which has enhanced their reputation.
- A Climate Action Plan provided a structured approach to emissions reduction through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, which is estimated to save Crazy Creek $130K in lifetime energy costs, while supporting their sustainability goals and achieving their GHG reduction targets.
Client Testimonial
Karson Bagby, Co-Owner of Crazy Creek, shared:
“Emerger Strategies has been an incredible partner for Crazy Creek. They’ve helped us comply with our REI Product Impact Standards and OIA’s Climate Action Corps requirements by measuring GHG emissions, setting science-based targets, and creating a Climate Action Plan. This has set us up with a clear path to meet both our sustainability goals and GHG reduction targets.”
Conclusion
Through strategic guidance and experienced sustainability consulting, Emerger Strategies helped Crazy Creek navigate the complexities of retailer and industry sustainability requirements. This partnership not only reinforced Crazy Creek’s commitment to sustainability but also strengthened their business positioning in an increasingly competitive market.
If your brand is a supplier to REI, or you simply want to make the business case for sustainability, check out our Retailer Sustainability Compliance Packages and contact us today by filling out the form below to start your sustainability journey!