Equity Residential, a leading player in the real estate investment trust (REIT) sector, is headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1969, the company has established a strong presence in major urban markets across the country, focusing on the acquisition, development, and management of high-quality apartment communities. With a portfolio that spans over 300 properties, Equity Residential is renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional living experiences through innovative design and superior customer service. The company’s strategic emphasis on urban locations positions it favourably within the competitive multifamily housing market. Notable achievements include a consistent ranking among the top REITs in the industry, reflecting its robust operational performance and dedication to sustainability. Equity Residential continues to set the standard for excellence in residential living, making it a trusted choice for renters nationwide.
How does Equity Residential'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 Real Estate 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.
Equity Residential's score of 56 is higher than 73% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, Equity Residential reported total carbon emissions of approximately 262,519,000 kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 62,911,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of approximately 46,120,000 kg CO2e, and significant Scope 3 emissions, with downstream leased assets contributing about 137,391,000 kg CO2e and waste generated in operations adding around 16,097,000 kg CO2e. Equity Residential has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes by 30% by 2030, using 2018 as the baseline year. This target encompasses emissions from waste generated in operations and downstream leased assets, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards, which classify their targets as consistent with keeping global warming well below 2°C. The company previously aimed for a 25% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from 2011 levels by 2021, demonstrating a proactive approach to climate action. However, the latest data indicates a need for continued efforts to meet these targets effectively.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 77,206,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 50,623,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
Equity Residential's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 6% last year and increased by approximately 3% since 2019, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Most of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 58% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Downstream Leased Assets" being the largest emissions source at 90% 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.
Equity Residential 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 Equity Residential's sustainability data and climate commitments