- Rapidly growing energy demand.
- Need to decarbonize while maintaining affordability.
- Inflationary pressures.
- Evolving regulatory landscape.
- Supply chain disruptions affecting fleet vehicle electrification.
Southern Company
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, Southern Company disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 79 million metric tons of CO2e (2023). By scope: Scope 1: 79 million metric tons of CO2e (2023); Scope 2: <1%; Scope 3: 31%. 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
79 million metric tons of CO2e (2023)
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). | 79 million metric tons of CO2e (2023) |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | <1% |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 31% |
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 | 79 million metric tons of CO2e (2023) |
| 2022 | 85 million metric tons (2022) |
| 2019-2020 | 75.1 million metric tons CO2e (2020) |
| 2018 | 102 million metric tons of CO2e |
| 2017 | 97.0M 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 Scope 1 GHG emissions by 49% relative to 2007 levels by 2023.
- Completed the expansion of Plant Vogtle in 2024 (Units 3 and 4).
- Reduced the number of coal-fired generating units from 66 to 15 since 2007.
- Reduced active leaks by over 75% since 2018 (Southern Company Gas).
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Increase diverse spend to 30% by 2025.
- Invest $225 million by 2025 to advance racial equity and social justice.
📅 Medium-term
- 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 relative to 2007 levels.
- Over 20,000 MW of renewable and storage resources by 2030.
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Serve Our CustomersAdvance Clean EnergyLead Through InnovationInvest in Our PeopleElevate Our Communities