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Business Services
NL
updated a month ago

Universal Music Sustainability Profile

Company website

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.

DitchCarbon Score

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.

80

Industry Average

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.

29

Industry Benchmark

Universal Music's score of 80 is higher than 89% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

89%

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Universal Music's reported carbon emissions

In 2024, Universal Music Group N.V. reported total carbon emissions of approximately 627,420,000 kg CO2e. This includes 1,797,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, 6,467,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, and a significant 619,156,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The Scope 3 emissions encompass various categories, with the largest contributions from purchased goods and services (approximately 327,454,000 kg CO2e) and upstream transportation and distribution (about 90,880,000 kg CO2e). Universal Music 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, the company targets a 62% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per EUR value added within the same timeframe. These targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning with the goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Looking ahead, Universal Music has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. This long-term strategy includes further reductions of 90% in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040, alongside a 97% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per million USD value added. Overall, Universal Music's climate strategy reflects a proactive approach to addressing its carbon footprint, with clear targets and a commitment to sustainability in the music industry.

Unlock detailed emissions data

Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents

20192021202220232024
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
000,000,000

How Carbon Intensive is Universal Music's Industry?

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
Some industries are more carbon intensive than others. Universal Music's primary industry is Business Services, which is very low in terms of carbon intensity compared to other industries.

How Carbon Intensive is Universal Music's Location?

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
The carbon intensity of the energy grid powering a company's primary operations has a strong influence on its overall carbon footprint. This request for Universal Music is in NL, which has a very low grid carbon intensity relative to other regions.

Universal Music's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown

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.

Top Scope 3 Categories

2024
Purchased Goods and Services
53%
Investments
15%
Upstream Transportation & Distribution
15%
Business Travel
8%
Capital Goods
5%
Franchises
<1%
Employee Commuting
<1%
End-of-Life Treatment of Sold Products
<1%
Downstream Transportation & Distribution
<1%
Fuel and Energy Related Activities
<1%

Universal Music'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.

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.

Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Race To Net Zero
Reduction Actions

Compare Universal Music's Emissions with Industry Peers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Universal Music's sustainability data and climate commitments

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Where does DitchCarbon data come from?

Discover our data-driven methodology for measuring corporate climate action and benchmarking against industry peers

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