Cardinal Health, a leading global healthcare services and products company, is headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1971, the company has established itself as a key player in the healthcare industry, primarily focusing on pharmaceutical distribution and medical products. With a strong presence across North America and significant operations in Europe and Asia, Cardinal Health serves a diverse range of healthcare providers, including hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including supply chain management, medication management, and clinical solutions, which are designed to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Notably, Cardinal Health is recognised for its commitment to innovation and quality, positioning itself as a trusted partner in the healthcare ecosystem. With a robust market position, Cardinal Health continues to achieve significant milestones, reinforcing its reputation as a vital contributor to the healthcare landscape.
How does Cardinal Health'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 Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing 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.
Cardinal Health's score of 75 is higher than 84% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, Cardinal Health reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 22,810,545,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at about 160,150,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions at approximately 204,723,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions reaching about 22,437,666,000 kg CO2e. This data reflects a comprehensive approach to emissions reporting, covering all three scopes. The company has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by fiscal 2030, using a fiscal 2019 baseline. This target was publicly announced in September 2021 and is aligned with science-based targets, ensuring that the reductions are consistent with the goals necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Additionally, Cardinal Health plans for 75% of its suppliers by spend to have science-based targets by fiscal 2028. In 2023, Cardinal Health's emissions were reported at approximately 21,463,272,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions of about 163,044,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions of approximately 220,684,000 kg CO2e. The company has shown a commitment to transparency and accountability in its emissions reporting, with detailed disclosures across all relevant scopes. Overall, Cardinal Health's climate strategy reflects a proactive stance in addressing its carbon footprint, with clear targets and a commitment to engaging its supply chain in sustainability efforts.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2009 | 2010 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 148,856,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 212,644,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | - | 00,000,000 | - | - | - | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
Cardinal Health's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 5% last year and increased significantly since 2018, 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 "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 93% 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.
Cardinal Health 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 Cardinal Health's sustainability data and climate commitments