Pearson scores 61/100 (Leading practice) on SINK's independent climate assessment — scored from public data only, no company payment can change a number. Last verified August 2026.
That places Pearson joint 11th of 591 companies scored, and 2nd of 10 in Media / Entertainment / Publishing.
Pearson has cut total emissions 41% since 2018 through digital transition and property downsizing, with 100% renewable electricity since 2016. Scope 3 emissions still dominate at 98% of total and remain the binding constraint on 2030 targets. Paper sourcing, waste recycling rates under 25%, and water management are material weaknesses.
This score is built from public data only. If your practice is stronger than your disclosure, submit evidence for review — or challenge any question, free.
Same formula for every company. No curve. No private weighting.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleStrongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Energy Source (8/10, 8/10). Weakest on Water Impact and Resource Use & Waste (4/10, 5/10).
11 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“4,095 [Scope 1] 13,942 [Scope 2 location-based] 11 [Scope 2 market-based] 233,471 [Scope 3]”
“2024 ISAE3000 assurance statement”
“302,572,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions”
“continuously monitor our highest-risk suppliers through the EcoVadis IQ tool, covering 90% of our supply chain”
“total reduction of 41% since 2018 for location-based emissions and 40% for market-based emissions”
“% electricity from renewable sources 100%”
“Within the publishing industry, this includes RELX and Pearson, the world's largest education company.”
“Paper used (t) 22,859 ... % FSC 50%”
“CDP · Maintained A- rating for Climate, B- rating for Forest and C rating for Water.”
“Achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our operations and value chain by 2030 from a 2018 baseline”
“Pearson PLC has spent $270,000 lobbying in 2026, so far.”
If you believe a source has been misread or a newer version exists, submit a challenge.
Where Pearson sits among media / entertainment / publishing peers.
Among the 10 major media / entertainment / publishing brands we've scored, Pearson sits 2nd of 10.
Score history begins —.
As Pearson's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
We're backfilling historical scores for FTSE 100 and S&P 100 companies over the coming weeks.
This score is not currently being contested.
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No challenges submitted yet. If you have evidence that contradicts this score, you can challenge any question above — cite a public source and we'll review it.
Pearson is a UK-listed global education and publishing company. It develops digital learning platforms, educational content, and assessment tools for schools, universities, and corporate training. Founded 1844, headquartered in London, it operates across 190 countries and serves 400+ million learners annually through online and print channels.
Apparel retail; larger absolute emissions, stronger Scope 3 reduction trajectory.
View breakdown →Media and entertainment; comparable digital business model and paper/print legacy exposure.
View breakdown →Technology services; digital-native, lower emissions intensity, higher transparency maturity.
View breakdown →Consumer goods; similar scale, higher Scope 3 exposure, established supply chain decarbonisation.
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