Target Corporation, commonly known as Target, is a leading American retail giant headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1902, Target has evolved into a prominent player in the retail industry, operating over 1,900 stores across the United States. The company is renowned for its diverse range of products, including apparel, home goods, electronics, and groceries, all offered at competitive prices. Target distinguishes itself through its commitment to quality and design, often collaborating with renowned brands to provide exclusive merchandise. With a strong focus on customer experience and sustainability, Target has garnered a loyal customer base and achieved significant market presence. Notable milestones include the introduction of its private label brands and a robust online shopping platform, positioning Target as a forward-thinking leader in the retail sector.
How does Target'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 Retail Trade 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.
Target's score of 89 is higher than 94% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, Target Corporation reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 86,745,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, 640,447,000 kg CO2e for Scope 2, and a staggering 58,880,000,000 kg CO2e for Scope 3 emissions. This reflects a significant operational footprint, with Scope 3 emissions constituting the majority of their total emissions. For 2023, Target's emissions were approximately 818,148,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, 772,389,000 kg CO2e for Scope 2, and 59,570,000,000 kg CO2e for Scope 3. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its emissions, committing to a 50% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2017 baseline. This commitment is reiterated in multiple reports, including their 2023 CDP Climate Response and Sustainability and Governance Report. Additionally, Target aims for a 32.5% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, which encompass emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream and downstream transport, and the use of sold products, also by 2030 from a 2017 baseline. The company has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2040. Target's emissions data and reduction targets are sourced directly from the company, with no cascading from a parent organization. The company is actively working towards these goals, aligning with industry standards and climate commitments.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
Target's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 1% last year and increased by approximately 12% 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 45% of Scope 3 emissions.
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.
Target 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.

Common questions about Target's sustainability data and climate commitments