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.
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.
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.
Smithsonian Institution's score of 20 is lower than 83% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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 amounted to about 20,849,000 kg CO2e, which includes 20,000,000 kg CO2e from stationary combustion, 849,000 kg CO2e from mobile combustion, and 466,000 kg CO2e from process emissions. The Smithsonian's emissions data for 2022 indicates a total of about 30,000,000 kg CO2e in Scope 1 emissions, solely from stationary combustion. The institution has not disclosed any Scope 3 emissions data. Despite the significant emissions reported, there are currently no specific reduction targets or climate pledges outlined in their sustainability initiatives. The Smithsonian Institution's emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organisation, indicating that it operates independently in its reporting and climate commitments. Overall, the Smithsonian Institution is actively monitoring its carbon footprint, but further commitments and reduction strategies may be necessary to align with broader climate goals.
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.

