The Department of Defense (DoD), headquartered in the United States, is a pivotal entity in the national security landscape. Established in 1947, the DoD oversees the armed forces and is responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions related to national security and military affairs. With major operational regions spanning across the globe, the DoD plays a crucial role in defence strategy, military readiness, and international relations. The Department's core services include military operations, intelligence, and logistics, distinguished by its commitment to innovation and advanced technology. Notable achievements include the development of cutting-edge defence systems and strategic partnerships with allied nations. As a leader in the defence industry, the DoD remains integral to safeguarding national interests and ensuring global stability.
How does Department of Defense'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 Other 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.
Department of Defense's score of 34 is higher than 58% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 18,800,000,000 kg CO2e. This figure reflects the DoD's significant operational footprint, although specific breakdowns into Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions were not disclosed for this year. In contrast, in 2019, the DoD's emissions were reported at about 20,700 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2 combined, while global emissions for the same year reached approximately 54,772,262,000 kg CO2e. The DoD has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero emissions across its portfolio of buildings, campuses, and installations by 2045. This long-term goal is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, the Army Reserve is targeting 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) acquisitions by FY 2027, which will contribute to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Historically, the DoD has achieved a 20.9% reduction in energy intensity since FY 2003, demonstrating a commitment to improving operational efficiency. The department is also focused on reducing traffic congestion and air emissions by 85% by 2025, alongside a similar target for stationary source air emissions. Overall, the DoD's climate initiatives reflect a proactive approach to addressing its carbon footprint, with a clear trajectory towards sustainability and emissions reduction.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Scope 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
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.
Department of Defense 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.

