Universal Music Group (UMG), a leading entity in the global music industry, is headquartered in the Netherlands (NL) and operates extensively across major regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Founded in 1934, UMG has evolved into a powerhouse, representing a diverse array of artists and genres, from pop and rock to classical and hip-hop. The company excels in music publishing, recorded music, and merchandising, offering unique services that cater to both established and emerging talent. UMG's innovative approach to artist development and digital distribution has solidified its market position, making it a key player in the ever-evolving music landscape. With numerous accolades and a rich catalogue of iconic recordings, Universal Music continues to shape the future of music worldwide.
How does Universal Music'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 Business 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.
Universal Music's score of 86 is higher than 92% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, Universal Music Group N.V. reported total carbon emissions of approximately 627.4 million kg CO2e. This figure includes 1,797,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, 6,467,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, and 619,156,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The company has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 58% by 2032 from a 2019 baseline. Additionally, Universal Music is targeting a 62% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per EUR value added within the same timeframe. Universal Music's long-term climate strategy aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which supports businesses in setting science-aligned emissions reduction targets. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040. This commitment includes further near-term targets, such as a 42% reduction in Scope 1 emissions by 2030 from a 2023 base year and a 51.6% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per million USD value added by 2030. Overall, Universal Music's climate initiatives reflect a proactive approach to addressing its carbon footprint and contributing to global climate goals.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 4,441,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 7,013,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 530,824,000 | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
Universal Music's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 32% last year and increased by approximately 17% since 2019, 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 53% 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.
Universal Music 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 Universal Music's sustainability data and climate commitments