The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a pivotal government department in Great Britain, headquartered in London. Established in 2001, Defra plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting rural communities across England. With a focus on environmental protection, food production, and rural development, Defra implements policies that address climate change, biodiversity, and food security. Its unique approach combines scientific research with community engagement, ensuring that diverse stakeholder needs are met. Defra has achieved significant milestones, including the introduction of the 25 Year Environment Plan and the Agriculture Act 2020, positioning itself as a leader in environmental governance. Through its comprehensive services and initiatives, Defra continues to enhance the UK's market position in sustainable practices and rural affairs.
How does Defra - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs'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 Business 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.
Defra - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs's score of 20 is lower than 82% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, the Defra - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs reported total carbon emissions of approximately 59,318,000 kg CO2e in Great Britain. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 27,117,000 kg CO2e, primarily from stationary combustion, and Scope 2 emissions of approximately 21,247,000 kg CO2e. Additionally, Scope 3 emissions were reported at around 12,820,000 kg CO2e, with significant contributions from employee commuting (about 9,089,000 kg CO2e) and business travel (approximately 2,999 kg CO2e). Defra has not disclosed specific reduction targets or initiatives under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) or other climate pledges. The organisation's emissions data is not cascaded from a parent company, indicating that these figures are independently reported. Defra's commitment to addressing climate change is reflected in its ongoing initiatives, including flood and coastal risk management, which aims to protect properties from flooding. In 2023, approximately 88,272 properties were reported as better protected from flooding in England. Overall, while specific reduction targets are not outlined, Defra continues to engage in various environmental initiatives to mitigate its carbon footprint and enhance sustainability in the UK.
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.
Defra - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs 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.

