Smithsonian Institution Sustainability Profile
The Smithsonian Institution, often referred to simply as the Smithsonian, is a renowned group of museums and research centres headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States. Founded in 1846, it has become a pivotal institution in the fields of education, research, and cultural preservation, encompassing 19 museums, 21 libraries, and several research facilities across the nation. The Smithsonian's core offerings include extensive collections in art, history, science, and culture, making it a unique repository of knowledge and heritage. Its commitment to public education and accessibility has positioned it as a leader in the museum industry, attracting millions of visitors annually. Notable achievements include the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which highlights its dedication to inclusivity and representation in the arts and sciences.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Smithsonian Institution'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.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Recreation and Sports 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.
Industry Benchmark
Smithsonian Institution's score of 25 is lower than 63% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Smithsonian Institution's reported carbon emissions
In 2023, the Smithsonian Institution reported total carbon emissions of approximately 66,163,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 sources, primarily from purchased electricity. Additionally, Scope 1 emissions totalled about 22,315,000 kg CO2e, comprising 20,000,000 kg CO2e from stationary combustion, 849,000 kg CO2e from mobile combustion, and 466,000 kg CO2e from process emissions. This data highlights the institution's ongoing commitment to tracking and managing its carbon footprint. The Smithsonian's emissions data from 2022 indicates a Scope 1 total of approximately 30,000,000 kg CO2e, solely from stationary combustion, while Scope 2 emissions were not disclosed for that year. The institution's emissions have shown fluctuations over the years, with a notable reduction in Scope 1 emissions from 60,000,000 kg CO2e in 2008 to 20,000,000 kg CO2e in 2023. In terms of climate commitments, the Smithsonian Institution aligns with the Biden administration's goal to reduce carbon emissions by roughly 40% from 2005 levels by 2030. This commitment reflects a broader initiative to enhance sustainability practices across all scopes of emissions. The Smithsonian Institution does not currently report any emissions data cascaded from a parent organisation, indicating that its emissions reporting is independent. The institution continues to focus on transparency and accountability in its climate actions, as evidenced by its detailed emissions disclosures and reduction targets.
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Smithsonian Institution'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.
Smithsonian Institution has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
