Axel Springer SE, a leading player in the printed matter and recorded media industry, is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1946, the company has evolved significantly, establishing a strong presence across Europe and beyond. Axel Springer is renowned for its diverse portfolio, which includes prominent publications such as Bild and Die Welt, as well as digital platforms that cater to a wide audience.
With a focus on innovative journalism and digital transformation, Axel Springer has successfully adapted to the changing media landscape. The company is recognised for its commitment to quality content and has achieved notable milestones, including strategic acquisitions that enhance its market position. As a key influencer in the media sector, Axel Springer continues to shape the future of journalism while maintaining its reputation for excellence.
+29 vs industry average
Axel Springer’s score of 58 is higher than 73% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Media Production has below-average carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Media Production industry has reduced its overall emissions by 17% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2026
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Axel Springer's reported carbon emissions
Axel Springer SE, headquartered in Germany and operating in the printed matter and recorded media sector, has reported significant carbon emissions and made robust climate commitments.
Emissions Data:
- 2023: Total emissions were approximately 436,048,000 kg CO2e. This breaks down into:
- Scope 1: Approximately 5,300,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 2 (market-based): Approximately 12,496,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 3: Approximately 418,253,000 kg CO2e (with purchased goods and services being the largest contributor at approximately 268,060,000 kg CO2e)
- 2022: Total emissions amounted to approximately 469,870,000 kg CO2e.
- Scope 1: Approximately 3,829,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 2 (market-based): Approximately 13,334,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 3: Approximately 452,707,000 kg CO2e
- 2021: Total emissions were approximately 412,545,000 kg CO2e.
- Scope 1: Approximately 3,745,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 2 (market-based): Approximately 14,943,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 3: Approximately 424,673,000 kg CO2e
- 2020: Total emissions were approximately 352,023,000 kg CO2e.
- Scope 1: Approximately 3,957,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 2 (market-based): Approximately 19,536,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 3: Approximately 328,529,000 kg CO2e
- 2019: Total emissions were approximately 401,712,000 kg CO2e.
- Scope 1: Approximately 6,061,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 2 (market-based): Approximately 23,181,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 3: Approximately 372,470,000 kg CO2e
- 2017: Total emissions were approximately 51,761,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 2 (purchased electricity) being approximately 49,620,000 kg CO2e and Scope 3 totalling approximately 2,141,000 kg CO2e. Scope 1 data was not disclosed for this year.
- 2016: Total emissions were approximately 55,345,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 2 (purchased electricity) being approximately 53,113,000 kg CO2e and Scope 3 totalling approximately 2,233,000 kg CO2e. Scope 1 data was not disclosed for this year.
- 2015: Total emissions were approximately 64,335,000 kg CO2e, including Scope 1 (approximately 3,073,000 kg CO2e), Scope 2 (approximately 51,336,000 kg CO2e), and Scope 3 (approximately 9,926,000 kg CO2e).
- 2014: Total emissions were approximately 65,116,000 kg CO2e, including Scope 1 (approximately 3,543,000 kg CO2e), Scope 2 (approximately 52,195,000 kg CO2e), and Scope 3 (approximately 9,378,000 kg CO2e).
- 2013: Scope 1 emissions were approximately 1,892,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions included business travel (approximately 4,271,000 kg CO2e), upstream transportation and distribution (approximately 3,867,000 kg CO2e), and downstream transportation and distribution (approximately 404,000 kg CO2e). Scope 2 data was not disclosed for this year.
- 2012: Scope 1 emissions were approximately 1,833,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions included business travel (approximately 3,767,000 kg CO2e), upstream transportation and distribution (approximately 3,288,000 kg CO2e), and downstream transportation and distribution (approximately 479,000 kg CO2e). Scope 2 data was not disclosed for this year.
- 2011: Scope 1 emissions were approximately 1,629,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions included business travel (approximately 3,810,000 kg CO2e), upstream transportation and distribution (approximately 3,424,000 kg CO2e), and downstream transportation and distribution (approximately 386,000 kg CO2e). Scope 2 data was not disclosed for this year.
Climate Commitments and Reduction Targets:
Axel Springer SE is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. To support this goal, the company aims to reduce its absolute CO2 emissions by 3-5% annually over the next ten years. By 2045, they plan to achieve a 90% reduction in emissions compared to their 2021 baseline. They also have a target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to near zero by 2025, and a commitment to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 50% from a 2020 baseline by 2030. Furthermore, Axel Springer SE is committed to reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030, with a long-term reduction of 90% by 2046 from a 2022 base year. The company plans to offset all non-reducible emissions annually from the 2024 fiscal year onwards.
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Axel Springer’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
3 goals2024
Wir kompensieren (spätestens) ab dem Geschäftsjahr 2024 jähr…
Wir kompensieren (spätestens) ab dem Geschäftsjahr 2024 jährlich sämtliche nicht-reduzierbaren Emissionen.
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
See all 3 climate goals
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
10 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives

Science Based Targets Initiative

Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Common questions about Axel Springer’s sustainability data and climate commitments
Data year: 2023
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