SSE plc, commonly referred to as SSE, is a leading energy company headquartered in Reading, GB. Founded in 1998, SSE has established itself as a key player in the UK and Ireland's energy sector, focusing on electricity generation, transmission, and renewable energy solutions. The company is particularly renowned for its commitment to sustainability, with significant investments in wind and hydroelectric power. SSE's core offerings include electricity and gas supply, as well as energy services that cater to both residential and business customers. Its unique approach to integrating renewable energy sources has positioned SSE as a frontrunner in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Notable achievements include being one of the largest renewable energy producers in the UK, reflecting its strong market position and dedication to environmental stewardship.
How does Sse'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 Electricity Distribution 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.
Sse's score of 74 is higher than 86% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2025, SSE reported total carbon emissions of approximately 5,700 kg CO2e from Scope 1 and 2, alongside 1,950 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions related to the use of sold products. The total emissions for the year amounted to approximately 9,270,000,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at approximately 4,338,424,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions at approximately 500,000,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions at approximately 4,500,000,000 kg CO2e. SSE has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net zero across Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040 and for remaining Scope 3 emissions by 2050. Additionally, the company targets a 72.5% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030, based on 2017/18 levels. SSE also commits to reducing absolute GHG emissions from the use of products sold by 50% by 2034 from a 2017/18 base year. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which includes a commitment to reduce Scope 1 GHG emissions by 80.2% per kWh by 2030 from a 2018 base year. SSE's efforts reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint in the energy sector.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 20,722,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | - |
| Scope 2 | 1,163,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | - |
| Scope 3 | 3,505,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000 |
Sse's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 100% last year and decreased by approximately 100% since 2013, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. A significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 48% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Use of Sold Products" representing nearly all of their reported Scope 3 footprint.
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.
Sse 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 Sse's sustainability data and climate commitments
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