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 1.44 billion kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 19.6 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of approximately 284,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions amounting to around 1.42 billion kg CO2e. The Scope 3 emissions primarily stem from the use of sold products, which accounted for about 903.1 million kg CO2e. In 2023, AO World’s total emissions were approximately 1.57 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at about 21.9 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions at around 304,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions reaching approximately 1.55 billion kg CO2e. This indicates a slight reduction in total emissions from 2023 to 2024. AO World has made significant strides in reducing its Scope 2 emissions, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in market-based emissions from 2022 to 2023, despite only a 15% reduction in energy consumption. This commitment to reducing indirect emissions demonstrates the company's proactive approach to climate action. The emissions data is sourced directly from AO World plc, with no cascading from a parent organization. The company continues to focus on transparency and accountability in its climate commitments, aligning with industry standards for 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.

