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Public Profile
Retail Trade Services
GB
updated a month ago

Wh Smith Sustainability Profile

Company website

WH Smith PLC, commonly known as WH Smith, is a prominent British retailer headquartered in Great Britain. Established in 1792, the company has evolved into a leading player in the retail industry, primarily focusing on books, stationery, and convenience products. With a significant presence in travel and high street sectors, WH Smith operates numerous stores across the UK and internationally, catering to diverse customer needs. The company is renowned for its extensive range of books, magazines, and stationery, alongside a growing selection of snacks and beverages in travel locations. WH Smith's unique blend of traditional retail and modern convenience has solidified its market position, making it a go-to destination for both everyday essentials and leisure reading. Over the years, WH Smith has achieved notable milestones, including its expansion into airports and railway stations, enhancing its visibility and accessibility to a broad audience.

DitchCarbon Score

How does Wh Smith'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.

75

Industry Average

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.

31

Industry Benchmark

Wh Smith's score of 75 is higher than 85% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

85%

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Wh Smith's reported carbon emissions

In 2024, WH Smith reported total carbon emissions of approximately 515,030,000 kg CO2e, with emissions distributed across various scopes: 1,370,000 kg CO2e (Scope 1), 1,809,000 kg CO2e (Scope 2), and a significant 513,030,000 kg CO2e (Scope 3). The previous year, 2023, saw total emissions of about 468,420,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at 1,765,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions at 9,337,000 kg CO2e. WH Smith has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030, using 2020 as the baseline year. This target is aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and includes a commitment that 75% of its suppliers, covering purchased goods and services as well as upstream transportation and distribution, will have science-based targets by 2027. The company has made strides towards these goals, with a focus on achieving net-zero emissions from its UK buildings by the end of 2021 and from international buildings by 2025. WH Smith's ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint in the retail sector.

Unlock detailed emissions data

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

201920202021202220232024
Scope 1
2,663,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
Scope 2
22,182,000
00,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
Scope 3
3,625,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000

How Carbon Intensive is Wh Smith's Industry?

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

How Carbon Intensive is Wh Smith'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 Wh Smith is in GB, which has a very low grid carbon intensity relative to other regions.

Wh Smith's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown

Wh Smith's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 10% last year and increased significantly 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 79% of Scope 3 emissions.

Top Scope 3 Categories

2024
Purchased Goods and Services
79%
Use of Sold Products
10%
Employee Commuting
3%
Upstream Transportation & Distribution
3%
End-of-Life Treatment of Sold Products
3%
Fuel and Energy Related Activities
<1%
Business Travel
<1%
Waste Generated in Operations
<1%

Wh Smith'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.

Wh Smith 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 Wh Smith's Emissions with Industry Peers

Burberry

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•
Wearing apparel; furs (18)
Updated 14 days ago

Ahold Delhaize USA, LLC

US
•
Retail trade services, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles; repair services of personal and household goods (52)
Updated 3 months ago

Alibaba

CN
•
Computer and related services (72)
Updated 22 days ago

Colruyt

BE
•
Retail trade services, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles; repair services of personal and household goods (52)
Updated 20 days ago

Odp

US
•
Wholesale trade and commission trade services, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (51)
Updated 18 days ago

B And M European Value Retail

LU
•
Retail trade services, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles; repair services of personal and household goods (52)
Updated about 22 hours ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wh Smith'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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