Charles River Laboratories
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., commonly known as Charles River, is a leading provider of essential products and services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Headquartered in the United States, the company operates extensively across North America, Europe, and Asia, offering a global reach that enhances its service delivery.
Founded in 1947, Charles River has achieved significant milestones, including the expansion of its preclinical and clinical services. The company specialises in drug discovery, safety assessment, and laboratory services, providing unique solutions that streamline the research process. Its commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a trusted partner in the life sciences sector.
With a robust portfolio that includes in vivo and in vitro testing, Charles River Laboratories is recognised for its expertise and reliability, making it a preferred choice for organisations seeking to advance their research and development efforts.
+35 vs industry average
Charles River Laboratories’s score of 64 is higher than 76% 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
Research Services has typical carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Research Services industry has increased its overall emissions by 17% since 2019
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Charles River Laboratories's reported carbon emissions
In 2025, Charles River Laboratories reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 450,000,000 kg CO2e. This total includes about 82,825,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 and 2 emissions combined, and approximately 367,713,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions, which encompasses a range of activities including purchased goods and services, employee commuting, and business travel. The company has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from a 2018 baseline by the year 2030. Additionally, Charles River Laboratories is targeting a 15% reduction in absolute Scope 3 emissions from a 2019 baseline by 2030. As of 2023, the company has reported that it is on track to meet 37% of its Scope 1 and 2 reduction goal. Charles River Laboratories is also committed to increasing its annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 1% in 2018 to 100% by 2030, aligning with industry standards for sustainability and climate action. These targets are consistent with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and reflect the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint in line with global climate goals.
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Charles River Laboratories’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
1 goal2030
50% reduction in all scopes
Scopes 1&2: reduce 50% of scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from Charles River facilities by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline); 37% of this goal has bee…
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 1 climate goals
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
8 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 Charles River Laboratories’s sustainability data and climate commitments
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