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Research Services
IE
updated 9 days ago

Icon Sustainability Profile

Company website

Icon plc, headquartered in Ireland (IE), is a leading global provider of outsourced development and commercialisation services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Founded in 1990, Icon has established itself as a key player in the clinical research sector, with a strong presence across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including clinical trial management, data analytics, and regulatory consulting, distinguished by its commitment to innovation and quality. Icon's unique approach integrates advanced technology and deep industry expertise, enabling clients to navigate the complexities of drug development efficiently. With a robust portfolio and a reputation for excellence, Icon plc has achieved significant milestones, including numerous successful product launches and partnerships with leading healthcare organisations, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the life sciences industry.

DitchCarbon Score

How does Icon'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.

100

Industry Average

Mean score of companies in the Research 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.

28

Industry Benchmark

Icon's score of 100 is higher than 100% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

100%

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Icon's reported carbon emissions

In 2024, ICON plc reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 361,809,000 kg CO2e. This includes 2,357,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1, 2,469,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 (market-based), and a significant 356,983,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The company has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 61.2% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by FY2028 from a FY2019 baseline, and a 90% reduction by FY2050. Additionally, ICON plc targets a 20% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by FY2028 from a FY2022 baseline, with a long-term goal of 90% reduction by FY2050. In 2023, ICON's total emissions were approximately 365,749,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at 2,963,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions at 5,233,000 kg CO2e (market-based), and Scope 3 emissions at 357,552,000 kg CO2e. The company has consistently disclosed emissions across all scopes, demonstrating transparency in its environmental impact. ICON plc's net-zero commitment encompasses all scopes, with a target year of FY2050, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards. The company's emissions data is sourced directly from ICON Public Limited Company, ensuring accuracy and accountability in its climate reporting.

Unlock detailed emissions data

Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents

2018201920202021202220232024
Scope 1
1,827,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
Scope 2
18,812,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
Scope 3
36,726,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000

How Carbon Intensive is Icon's Industry?

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
Some industries are more carbon intensive than others. Icon's primary industry is Research Services, which is very low in terms of carbon intensity compared to other industries.

How Carbon Intensive is Icon's Location?

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
The carbon intensity of the energy grid powering a company's primary operations has a strong influence on its overall carbon footprint. This request for Icon is in IE, which has a very low grid carbon intensity relative to other regions.

Icon's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown

Icon's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 0% last year and increased by approximately 872% since 2018, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Nearly all of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing nearly all emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 54% of Scope 3 emissions.

Top Scope 3 Categories

2024
Purchased Goods and Services
54%
Business Travel
17%
Employee Commuting
9%
Upstream Transportation & Distribution
9%
Capital Goods
8%
Fuel and Energy Related Activities
1%
Waste Generated in Operations
<1%
Upstream Leased Assets
<1%

Icon's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)

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.

Icon 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.

Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Race To Net Zero
Reduction Actions

Compare Icon's Emissions with Industry Peers

Bureau Veritas

FR
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Illumina

US
•
Research and development services (73)
Updated 6 days ago

Hangzhou Tigermed

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•
Medical, precision and optical instruments, watches and clocks (33)
Updated 2 days ago

Labcorp

US
•
Health and social work services (85)
Updated 13 days ago

Roche Holding AG

CH
•
Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
Updated 6 days ago

GE HealthCare

US
•
Medical, precision and optical instruments, watches and clocks (33)
Updated 2 days ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Icon's sustainability data and climate commitments

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Where does DitchCarbon data come from?

Discover our data-driven methodology for measuring corporate climate action and benchmarking against industry peers

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