United Rentals Sustainability Profile
United Rentals, Inc., headquartered in the United States, stands as a leader in the equipment rental industry. Founded in 1997, the company has expanded its operations across North America, providing essential services to construction, industrial, and municipal sectors. Specialising in a diverse range of equipment, United Rentals offers everything from aerial work platforms to earthmoving machinery, ensuring clients have access to the latest technology and reliable tools. Their commitment to safety and customer service sets them apart in a competitive market. With a robust network of over 1,000 locations, United Rentals has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking efficient and cost-effective rental solutions. The company’s notable achievements include being recognised as one of the largest equipment rental companies globally, reflecting its strong market position and dedication to excellence.
DitchCarbon Score
How does United Rentals'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 Construction Work 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
United Rentals's score of 35 is higher than 61% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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United Rentals's reported carbon emissions
In 2023, United Rentals reported total carbon emissions of approximately 7,450,040,000 kg CO2e. This figure includes 439,887,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, which are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, and 28,169,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, representing indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity. The majority of their emissions, about 6,980,984,000 kg CO2e, fall under Scope 3, which encompasses all other indirect emissions in the value chain. Comparatively, in 2022, the company recorded total emissions of approximately 6,583,862,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at 399,328,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions at 24,963,000 kg CO2e. The Scope 3 emissions for that year were about 6,159,571,000 kg CO2e. Despite the significant emissions figures, United Rentals has not publicly committed to specific reduction targets or initiatives, as indicated by the absence of documented reduction targets or SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) commitments. The company’s climate strategy appears to be in its early stages, with no formal pledges or initiatives disclosed. Overall, United Rentals operates within a context of increasing scrutiny on corporate carbon footprints, particularly in the equipment rental industry, where emissions management is becoming a critical focus for stakeholders.
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| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 245,633,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 39,976,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is United Rentals's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is United Rentals's Location?
United Rentals's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
United Rentals's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 13% last year and decreased by approximately 41% since 2018, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Downstream Leased Assets" being the largest emissions source at 45% of Scope 3 emissions.
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United Rentals'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.
United Rentals 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.
