World Resources Institute Sustainability Profile
The World Resources Institute (WRI), a leading global research organisation headquartered in the United States, focuses on sustainable development and environmental solutions. Founded in 1982, WRI has established itself as a pivotal player in the fields of climate change, water resources, and sustainable cities, with major operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. WRI's core services include data-driven research, policy analysis, and innovative tools that empower governments and businesses to make informed decisions. Its unique approach combines rigorous scientific analysis with practical solutions, positioning WRI as a trusted authority in environmental sustainability. Notable achievements include influential reports that shape global climate policy and partnerships that drive impactful change. With a commitment to fostering a sustainable future, WRI continues to lead the way in addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
DitchCarbon Score
How does World Resources Institute'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 Other 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
World Resources Institute's score of 33 is higher than 57% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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World Resources Institute's reported carbon emissions
As of 2025, the World Resources Institute (WRI) has set ambitious climate commitments aimed at significantly reducing its carbon emissions. The organisation aims to achieve near-zero emissions for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2025. This commitment reflects a proactive approach to mitigating its direct and indirect emissions, which are critical in the fight against climate change. In 2016, WRI reported total emissions of approximately 7,000,000 kg CO2e, with specific contributions from various scopes: 390 kg CO2e from Scope 1, 438,500 kg CO2e from Scope 2, and a substantial 6,651,600 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions, which included business travel and purchased goods and services. This data highlights the significant impact of Scope 3 emissions, which often represent the largest share of an organisation's carbon footprint. WRI's long-term goal includes reducing total agricultural emissions to 4 Gt by 2050, representing a 75% reduction from current levels. This target underscores the organisation's commitment to sustainable practices and its role in global climate initiatives. WRI's emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organisation, ensuring that its commitments and performance are independently reported. The organisation actively participates in initiatives such as CDP, reinforcing its dedication to transparency and accountability in climate action.
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| 2010 | 2011 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | - | 000 |
| Scope 2 | - | - | 000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 2,213,800 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is World Resources Institute's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is World Resources Institute's Location?
World Resources Institute's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
World Resources Institute's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 273% last year and increased by approximately 298% since 2010, 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 76% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
World Resources Institute'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.
World Resources Institute has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
