Sse Sustainability Profile
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.
DitchCarbon Score
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.
Industry Average
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.
Industry Benchmark
Sse's score of 76 is higher than 87% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Sse's reported carbon emissions
In 2025, SSE reported total carbon emissions of approximately 5,700,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 and 2, alongside 1,950 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions related to the use of sold products. In 2024, SSE's emissions included about 4,338,424,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1, 500,000,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2, and 4,500,000,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3, with significant contributions from investments and the use of sold products. SSE has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net zero emissions across Scope 1 and 2 by 2040, with a near-term target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 72.5% by 2030 from a 2017/18 baseline. Additionally, SSE plans to cut the carbon intensity of its Scope 1 emissions by 80% by 2030. For Scope 3 emissions, the company targets a 50% reduction in emissions from the use of sold products by 2034. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which has approved SSE's commitment to reduce Scope 1 GHG emissions by 80.2% per kWh by 2030 from a 2018 base year. SSE's climate strategy reflects a comprehensive approach to reducing its carbon footprint while addressing the challenges of energy supply and sustainability.
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| 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 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 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 |
How Carbon Intensive is Sse's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Sse's Location?
Sse's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
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.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Sse'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.
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.
Irkutsk Public Joint Stock Company of Energetics and Electrification
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sse's sustainability data and climate commitments