GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK), a leading global healthcare company headquartered in Great Britain, has been at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation since its founding in 2000, following the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. With a strong presence in Europe, North America, and emerging markets, GSK operates primarily in the pharmaceutical, vaccine, and consumer healthcare sectors. The company is renowned for its diverse portfolio, which includes groundbreaking medicines, vaccines, and consumer health products that address a wide range of health needs. GSK's commitment to research and development has led to significant advancements in areas such as respiratory diseases, HIV, and immunology. As a key player in the global healthcare landscape, GSK continues to achieve notable milestones, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider of innovative health solutions.
How does Glaxosmithkline'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 Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing 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.
Glaxosmithkline's score of 100 is higher than 99% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 92,000,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2 in Great Britain. Globally, their emissions included about 521,000,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 and approximately 44,000,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 (market-based). In 2023, GSK's emissions in Great Britain were about 102,000,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2 combined. GSK has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero emissions across all operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030 and across their full value chain (all scopes) by 2045. They have committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% by 2030 from a 2020 baseline and by 90% by 2045. Additionally, GSK aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 80% by 2030 and 90% by 2045, also from a 2020 baseline. Notably, GSK achieved a 15% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from 2020 to 2021. Their long-term targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which confirms that their goals are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. GSK's climate strategy includes investments in high-quality nature-based solutions to offset remaining emissions. All emissions data and climate commitments are sourced from GSK plc, with no data cascaded from a parent organization.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 1,040,928,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 788,149,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 16,630,521,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | - |
Glaxosmithkline's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 0% last year and decreased by approximately 46% since 2013, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Use of Sold Products" being the largest emissions source at 56% 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.
Glaxosmithkline 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 Glaxosmithkline's sustainability data and climate commitments