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Ricardo plc, commonly known as Ricardo, is a distinguished global engineering and environmental strategic consultancy headquartered in the United Kingdom. Established in 1915 by Sir Harry Ricardo, the company leverages over a century of expertise to address complex challenges across critical sectors.
Specialising in sustainable transport, energy, defence, and environmental solutions, Ricardo offers comprehensive services from strategic consulting and product engineering to software development, testing, and manufacturing. Their integrated approach supports clients in achieving net-zero targets and delivering innovative, clean energy technologies.
As a trusted strategic advisor with a global presence, Ricardo drives decarbonisation and develops cutting-edge digital solutions. The company's pioneering spirit and deep technical knowledge position it at the forefront of advanced engineering and environmental insights across Europe, North America, and Asia.
96
DitchCarbon score
+72 vs industry average
Ricardo’s score of 96 is higher than 98% 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
Medium
Other Services has typical carbon intensity
Industry performance
0.200
20182025
The Other Services industry has reduced its overall emissions by 37% 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.
Ricardo's reported carbon emissions
Ricardo's latest reported total carbon emissions for 2025 are approximately 185.4 million kg CO2e. This includes Scope 1 emissions of 2.19 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions (market-based) of 53.11 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of 130.10 million kg CO2e.
Looking at previous years, in 2024, their total emissions were approximately 211.17 million kg CO2e, comprising 2.20 million kg CO2e from Scope 1, 60.14 million kg CO2e from Scope 2 (market-based), and 148.82 million kg CO2e from Scope 3. For 2023, the company reported total emissions of approximately 284.05 million kg CO2e, with 2.15 million kg CO2e from Scope 1, 84.05 million kg CO2e from Scope 2 (market-based), and 197.86 million kg CO2e from Scope 3. In 2022, Ricardo's total emissions were approximately 105.19 million kg CO2e, with 3.82 million kg CO2e from Scope 1, 0.62 million kg CO2e from Scope 2 (market-based), and 100.75 million kg CO2e from Scope 3.
Ricardo has established several climate commitments. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2030. They have Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved targets:
- Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by FY2030/31 from a FY2019/20 base year, a target aligned with keeping global warming to 1.5°C.
- Increase annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 74% in FY2019/20 to 90% by FY2025/26.
- Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 27.5% by FY2030/31 from a FY2019/20 base year, a target aligned with well below 2°C temperature rise.
The company also has near-term targets to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 15% and Scope 2 emissions by 85% by 2025, using 2022 as a baseline. Furthermore, Ricardo plans to adjust its baseline year for all scopes to FY 2024/25 data to update targets and initiatives in line with the 2025 net-zero goal of the UN Paris Agreement. All emissions and reduction targets are sourced from Ricardo plc.
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Ricardo’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
3 goals2031
46.2% reduction in Scope 2
Ricardo commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 46.2% by FY2030/31 from a FY2019/20 base year.
On track46.2%
2031
46.2% reduction in Scope 1
Ricardo commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 46.2% by FY2030/31 from a FY2019/20 base year.
On track46.2%
2031
27.5% reduction in scope 3 total
Ricardo commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 27.5% by FY2030/31 from a FY2019/20 base year.
Insufficient data27.5%
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
FY2031 targetSee details
Active
Carbon Disclosure Project
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Active
The Climate Pledge
See details
Not active
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
Inherited from WSP Global Inc.See details
Not active
RE 100
See details
Not active
Climate Action 100
See details
Not active
Emissions comparison with industry peers
View similar organisationsCompanyCountryIndustryLast updatedScoreDetails
Ricardo15 days ago
96
DEAutomatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance UseView
14 days ago
100
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Ricardo’s sustainability data and climate commitments
Ricardo's latest reported total carbon emissions for 2025 are approximately 185.4 million kg CO2e. This significant footprint is primarily driven by Scope 3 emissions, which account for roughly 130.1 million kg CO2e. Scope 2 emissions (market-based) are around 53.1 million kg CO2e, and Scope 1 emissions are approximately 2.2 million kg CO2e. This data, inherited from Ricardo plc, highlights the substantial impact of Ricardo's value chain and operational activities on its overall environmental performance.
Data year: 2025
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