Edelman, officially known as Edelman Public Relations, is a leading global communications firm headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1952, the company has established a strong presence in major operational regions, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Specialising in public relations, digital marketing, and brand strategy, Edelman is renowned for its innovative approach to building trust and engagement between brands and their audiences. With a commitment to delivering unique insights and tailored solutions, Edelman offers a diverse range of services, including crisis management, media relations, and social media strategy. The firm has consistently been recognised for its market leadership, earning accolades such as the PRWeek Agency of the Year. Through its dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of the evolving communications landscape, Edelman continues to set the standard in the public relations industry.
How does Edelman'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.
Edelman's score of 38 is higher than 62% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2020, Edelman reported total carbon emissions of approximately 12,540,000 kg CO2e, with significant contributions from Scope 2 emissions at about 2,226,000 kg CO2e and Scope 3 emissions at approximately 9,943,000 kg CO2e, primarily from business travel (about 9,750,000 kg CO2e). This data reflects a decrease from 2019, when total emissions were about 15,630,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 2 emissions at approximately 2,670,000 kg CO2e and Scope 3 emissions at around 12,613,000 kg CO2e. Edelman has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to achieve a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 2040, using 2019 as the baseline year. Additionally, the company targets a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 3 emissions, which encompass purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, business travel, and investments, also by 2040. Near-term targets include an 80% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 and a 55% reduction in Scope 3 emissions within the same timeframe. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and reflect Edelman's commitment to reach net-zero GHG emissions across its value chain by 2040. The emissions data and targets are cascaded from its parent company, Daniel J. Edelman, Inc., ensuring a unified approach to sustainability across the corporate family.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 289,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | - | - |
| Scope 2 | 3,473,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 12,476,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
Edelman's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 21% last year and decreased by approximately 20% since 2011, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Most of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 74% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Business Travel" representing nearly all of their reported Scope 3 footprint.
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.
Edelman 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 Edelman's sustainability data and climate commitments