UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group: Emissions Overview and Climate Commitments

In 2024, UnitedHealth Group, headquartered in the US and operating within the Health and social work services (85) industry, reported approximately 18.35 billion kg CO2e in total greenhouse gas emissions. This figure encompasses Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

Emissions Breakdown (2024):

• Total Emissions: Approximately 18,349,044,000 kg CO2e
• Scope 1 (Direct Emissions): Approximately 105,782,000 kg CO2e
• Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy):
  • Market-based: Approximately 265,661,000 kg CO2e
  • Location-based: Approximately 352,988,000 kg CO2e
• Scope 3 (Other Indirect Emissions): Approximately 17,977,601,000 kg CO2e, with purchased goods and services (approximately 7.78 billion kg CO2e) and investments (approximately 9.10 billion kg CO2e) being significant contributors.

Emissions Trends:

Total emissions in 2023 were approximately 18.96 billion kg CO2e, showing a slight increase from 2024. Prior years show a range of emissions, with 2022 reporting approximately 14.33 billion kg CO2e and 2021 reporting approximately 13.00 billion kg CO2e.

Climate Commitments and Targets:

UnitedHealth Group has established several ambitious climate targets:

• Net Zero by 2035: The company aims to achieve operational net-zero emissions by 2035.
• Scope 1 & 2 Reduction Target: UnitedHealth Group is committed to a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, using a 2021 baseline. This target aligns with 1.5°C pathways.
• Supplier Engagement: By 2030, the company aims for 77% of its suppliers (by emissions) covering purchased goods and services, and upstream transportation and distribution, to have science-based targets.
• Broader Value Chain Net Zero: A commitment exists to achieve net zero across the value chain by 2050.

These commitments are further supported by their engagement with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).