Ao World, commonly known as AO, is a leading online retailer headquartered in Greater Manchester, GB. Founded in 2000, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the electricals and appliances industry, specialising in the sale of white goods, consumer electronics, and home appliances. With a strong operational presence across the UK and Germany, AO is renowned for its exceptional customer service and efficient delivery options. The company’s unique selling proposition lies in its commitment to providing a seamless online shopping experience, coupled with a wide range of high-quality products from top brands. Over the years, AO has achieved significant milestones, including its successful IPO in 2014, solidifying its market position as a trusted name in the sector. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Ao World continues to redefine the online retail landscape.
How does Ao World'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 Retail Trade 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.
Ao World's score of 62 is higher than 77% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, AO World reported total carbon emissions of approximately 1,442,958,000 kg CO2e, with significant contributions from Scope 3 emissions, which accounted for about 1,420,958,000 kg CO2e. Scope 1 emissions were approximately 19,641,000 kg CO2e, while Scope 2 emissions totalled about 284,000 kg CO2e (market-based). The previous year, 2023, saw total emissions of about 1,549,545,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 3 emissions at approximately 1,549,545,000 kg CO2e, Scope 1 at about 21,919,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 2 at approximately 304,000 kg CO2e (market-based). AO World has made notable strides in reducing its carbon footprint, particularly in Scope 2 emissions, which saw a remarkable reduction of 90% on a market-based approach from 2022 to 2023, despite only a 15% reduction in energy consumption. This achievement highlights the company's commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing indirect emissions associated with electricity consumption. The company has disclosed emissions data across all relevant scopes (1, 2, and 3) and has set ambitious targets for future reductions, although specific SBTi targets have not been mentioned. AO World operates under the corporate governance of AO World plc, which oversees its sustainability initiatives and emissions reporting.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 20,192,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 3,245,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
Ao World's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 8% last year and decreased by approximately 8% since 2023, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Nearly all of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing nearly all emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Use of Sold Products" being the largest emissions source at 64% of Scope 3 emissions.
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.
Ao World has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
