Wh Smith Sustainability Profile
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.
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.
Industry Benchmark
Wh Smith's score of 69 is higher than 82% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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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 combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions amounted to about 3,179,000 kg CO2e. In comparison, the previous year, 2023, saw total emissions of approximately 468,420,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at 1,765,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 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 base 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 also pledged to achieve net-zero emissions from its UK buildings by the end of 2021 and from its international buildings by the end of 2025. Overall, WH Smith's climate strategy reflects a proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint, with a focus on both operational emissions and supply chain engagement.
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| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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?
How Carbon Intensive is Wh Smith's Location?
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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wh Smith's sustainability data and climate commitments