United Rentals Sustainability Profile
United Rentals, Inc., headquartered in the United States, stands as a leader in the equipment rental industry. Founded in 1997, the company has expanded its operations across North America, providing essential services to construction, industrial, and municipal sectors. Specialising in a diverse range of equipment, United Rentals offers everything from aerial work platforms to earthmoving machinery, ensuring clients have access to the latest technology and reliable tools. Their commitment to safety and customer service sets them apart in a competitive market. With a robust network of over 1,000 locations, United Rentals has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking efficient and cost-effective rental solutions. The company’s notable achievements include being recognised as one of the largest equipment rental companies globally, reflecting its strong market position and dedication to excellence.
DitchCarbon Score
How does United Rentals'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 Construction Work 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
United Rentals's score of 51 is higher than 72% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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United Rentals's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, United Rentals reported total carbon emissions of approximately 7.99 billion kg CO2e. This figure includes 462,087,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, 27,611,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, and 7,495,799,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The Scope 3 emissions are particularly significant, comprising the majority of the total emissions, with categories such as downstream leased assets and use of sold products contributing substantially. Comparatively, in 2023, the company recorded total emissions of approximately 7.45 billion kg CO2e, indicating an increase in emissions year-on-year. The breakdown for 2023 shows Scope 1 emissions at 439,887,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at 28,169,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at 6,981,984,000 kg CO2e. Despite the increase in total emissions, United Rentals has not publicly committed to specific reduction targets or initiatives, as indicated by the absence of documented reduction targets or SBTi commitments. The company’s emissions data is sourced directly from United Rentals, Inc., with no cascading from a parent organisation. Overall, United Rentals operates within a challenging industry context, where emissions from equipment rental and related services can be substantial. The company’s focus on transparency in emissions reporting is evident, but further commitments to emissions reduction would enhance its climate strategy.
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| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 245,633,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 39,976,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is United Rentals's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is United Rentals's Location?
United Rentals's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
United Rentals's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 7% last year and decreased by approximately 37% since 2018, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Downstream Leased Assets" being the largest emissions source at 41% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
United Rentals'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.
United Rentals 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.
