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Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a leading global player in the book publishing industry, is headquartered in Gütersloh, Germany. Founded in 1835, the company has evolved into a diverse media conglomerate, with significant operations across Europe, North America, and Asia.
As a prominent publisher, Bertelsmann encompasses renowned imprints such as Penguin Random House, which is celebrated for its extensive catalogue of literary works, ranging from bestsellers to award-winning titles. The company's commitment to quality content and innovative publishing strategies has solidified its position as a market leader.
With a rich history marked by key milestones, Bertelsmann continues to shape the literary landscape, leveraging its expertise to connect authors and readers worldwide. Its unique blend of tradition and modernity sets it apart in the competitive publishing arena.
52
DitchCarbon score
+30 vs industry average
Bertelsmann Se And Co Kgaa’s score of 52 is higher than 100% 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
Very High
Book Publishers is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
0.286
20182025
The Book Publishers industry has reduced its overall emissions by 17% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
202020212022202320242025202620272028
Reported emissions
Scope 1
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 2
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 3
•••kg CO₂e
Total reported
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Bertelsmann Se And Co Kgaa's reported carbon emissions
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a German book publisher, reported total emissions of approximately 2.34 billion kg CO2e in 2024. This includes about 125.84 million kg CO2e from Scope 1, approximately 111.34 million kg CO2e from Scope 2 (location-based), and around 2.20 billion kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. Key Scope 3 categories in 2024 included purchased goods and services (approximately 1.17 billion kg CO2e), investments (about 247.43 million kg CO2e), and downstream transportation and distribution (around 248.77 million kg CO2e).
Looking ahead to 2025, the company projects Scope 2 emissions of around 110.12 million kg CO2e and various Scope 3 emissions, such as approximately 363.77 million kg CO2e from upstream transportation and distribution, and about 274.12 million kg CO2e from downstream transportation and distribution. Note that 2025 Scope 1 data is not available.
Historically, Bertelsmann's total emissions were approximately 1.78 billion kg CO2e in 2023, about 1.91 billion kg CO2e in 2022, and around 2.11 billion kg CO2e in 2021.
Bertelsmann has set several climate commitments. They aim to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Furthermore, Bertelsmann commits to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2018 base year, as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This target covers emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel- and energy-related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, business travel, employee commuting, and upstream leased assets. The company had also previously aimed to reduce its portfolio-adjusted GHG emissions by 20% by 2025 compared to 2014, a target it reportedly achieved ahead of schedule. All emissions data and climate commitments are directly from Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA.
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Bertelsmann Se And Co Kgaa’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
3 goals2030
50% reduction in scope 3 total
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 50.0% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
On track50%
2030
50% reduction in Scope 1
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA commits to reduce absolute scope 1 GHG emissions by 50.0% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
On track50%
2030
50% reduction in Scope 2
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA commits to reduce absolute scope 2 GHG emissions by 50.0% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
On track50%
Showing SBTi-validated targets only. Sign up or sign in to see all disclosed climate targets.
Scope 3 top emissions categories
9 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
2030 targetSee details
Active
Carbon Disclosure Project
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Active
The Climate Pledge
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Not active
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
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Not active
RE 100
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Not active
Climate Action 100
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Not active
Emissions comparison with industry peers
View similar organisationsCompanyCountryIndustryLast updatedScoreDetails
Bertelsmann Se And Co Kgaa28 days ago
52
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