American Tower Corporation, commonly referred to as American Tower, is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure. Headquartered in the United States, the company has a significant presence across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Founded in 1995, American Tower has achieved remarkable growth, becoming a key player in the telecommunications industry. The company primarily focuses on the leasing of space on its towers and other structures to wireless service providers, enabling seamless connectivity for millions. Its extensive portfolio includes over 200,000 communications sites, distinguished by their strategic locations and advanced technology. American Tower's commitment to innovation and sustainability has solidified its market position, making it a trusted partner for major telecom operators worldwide.
How does American Tower's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Real Estate Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
American Tower's score of 41 is higher than 61% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2022, American Tower Corporation reported total carbon emissions of approximately 4,074,389,000 kg CO2e across all scopes. This includes 628,716,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, primarily from stationary combustion, and 567,576,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, which are market-based. The company also disclosed significant Scope 3 emissions, amounting to about 4,073,989,000 kg CO2e. American Tower has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 40% across all scopes (1, 2, and 3) by 2035, using 2019 as the baseline year. This target aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is classified as consistent with keeping global warming well below 2°C. The company is currently on track to meet its near-term targets for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Overall, American Tower's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint reflects a proactive approach to addressing climate change within the telecommunications infrastructure sector.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 650,755,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 1,617,395,000 | 00,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
American Tower has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about American Tower's sustainability data and climate commitments