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Pearson plc, commonly known as Pearson, is a leading provider of education services headquartered in the United Kingdom. Established in 1844, the company has grown to become a prominent player in the global education industry, with a strong presence across Europe, North America, and other regions.
Specialising in educational publishing, digital learning solutions, and assessment services, Pearson’s offerings are recognised for their innovation and quality. The company’s core products include textbooks, online courses, and testing programmes, which are widely used by students, educators, and institutions worldwide.
With a long history of advancing educational standards, Pearson holds a notable market position as one of the largest education service providers globally. Its commitment to transforming learning through technology and personalised solutions has cemented its reputation as a key leader in the education sector.
100
DitchCarbon score
+77 vs industry average
Pearson’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.
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Industry Intensity
Low
Education Services has below-average carbon intensity
Industry performance
0.092
20182025
The Education Services industry has reduced its overall emissions by 18% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
202020212022202320242025202620272028
Reported emissions
Scope 1
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 2
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 3
•••kg CO₂e
Total reported
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Pearson's reported carbon emissions
Pearson, a UK-headquartered education services company, reported total carbon emissions of approximately 253,715,000 kg CO2e in 2025. This includes Scope 1 emissions of 3,701,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions (market-based) of 9,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of 250,005,000 kg CO2e. This represents a decrease from 2024, when total emissions were approximately 267,153,000 kg CO2e. Looking further back, Pearson's total emissions were approximately 423,239,000 kg CO2e in 2019.
Pearson has established ambitious climate commitments, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050.
Near-term targets include:
- Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
- Reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream and downstream transportation and distribution, and end-of-life treatment of sold products by 50% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
Long-term targets include:
- Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2018 base year.
- Reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2018 base year.
Pearson previously met its 2020 targets to reduce operational Greenhouse Gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% using a 2009 base year, and achieved a 40% reduction in operational emissions by 2016 compared to the same 2009 baseline. The company is also a signatory to the Climate Pledge.
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Pearson’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
7 goals2050
90% reduction in Scope 1
Pearson commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2018 base year.
On track90%
2050
90% reduction in Scope 2
Pearson commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2018 base year.
On track90%
2030
50.4% reduction in Scope 2
Pearson commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50.4% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
On track50.4%
See all 7 climate goals
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Showing SBTi-validated targets only. Sign up or sign in to see all disclosed climate targets.
Scope 3 top emissions categories
10 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
2030 targetSee details
Active
Carbon Disclosure Project
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Active
The Climate Pledge
Signed 2022See details
Active
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
See details
Active
RE 100
2018 targetSee details
Active
Climate Action 100
See details
Not active
Emissions comparison with industry peers
View similar organisationsCompanyCountryIndustryLast updatedScoreDetails
Pearson3 months ago
100
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Pearson’s sustainability data and climate commitments
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