- Supply chain disruptions due to various factors (including extreme weather events).
- Data limitations and evolving methodologies for calculating Scope 3 emissions.
- Challenges in reducing emissions from customer use of rented equipment (Scope 3).
United Rentals Inc.
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, United Rentals Inc. disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 7.5M tCO2e/year (Scopes 1 2 and 3). By scope: Scope 1: 439.9K tCO2e/year; Scope 2: 28.2K tCO2e/year; Scope 3: 7.0M tCO2e/year. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
7.5M tCO2e/year (Scopes 1 2 and 3)
2023
Renewable Energy
27.6% of total electricity use
of total energy
Water Usage
1.3K megaliters/year
2023
Waste
72.8K tons/year
2023
Energy Use
2.0M MWh/year
2023
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 439.9K tCO2e/year |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 28.2K tCO2e/year |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 7.0M tCO2e/year |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.5M tCO2e/year (Scopes 1 2 and 3) |
| 2022 | 13.7 million MT CO2e |
| 2021 | 12.5M tCO2e/year (Scope 1 2 and 3 from third-party hauling) |
| 2020 | 402.5K tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2) + 12803000 tCO2e/year (Scope 3) |
| 2019 | 396.1K tCO2e/year (scopes 1 & 2) |
| 2016 | 291.5K tCO2e/year |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced greenhouse gas emission intensity across Scopes 1 and 2 as well as third-party hauling under Scope 3 by 25.6% compared to the 2018 baseline, toward an aspirational goal of 35% by 2030.
- Achieved a 57.4% waste diversion rate from landfills, toward an aspirational goal of 70% by 2025.
- 84% of North American operations upgraded with LED lighting, toward an aspirational goal of 95% by 2025.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Divert 70% of waste from landfills by 2025.
- Upgrade 95% of North American operations with LED lighting by 2025.
📅 Medium-term
- Reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity by 35% by 2030 (Scopes 1, 2, and third-party hauling within Scope 3).
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ChangeDiversity & InclusionSafetyCommunity InvestmentSupply Chain ResponsibilityGovernanceEthics