Carbon Footprint — Operations: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Vestas reports full Scope 1 (104Kt) and Scope 2 market-based (1Kt) emissions for FY2024, verified by Deloitte as part of its CSRD-aligned Sustainability Statement. Multi-year tracking is in place with GHG Protocol methodology and granular breakdown showing ~80% of operational emissions from service vehicle fleet. ISO 14001 certified operations globally.

Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Full Scope 3 reported at ~7.69Mt CO₂e for FY2024, down from ~7.98Mt in FY2023. Vestas has identified steel and iron as 50% of Scope 3 emissions and has a supplier engagement programme including the First Movers Coalition commitment for near-zero emission steel. A Sustainability Data Management System is being developed to collect actual supplier emissions data. However, the Scope 3 target is intensity-based (per MWh delivered), not absolute, which limits the score.

Emissions Trajectory: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Total absolute emissions declined from ~8.09Mt (2023) to ~7.77Mt (2024), a ~4% absolute reduction. Scope 1+2 also slightly declined (109Kt to 105Kt). However, Vestas acknowledges it will not meet its 2025 Scope 1+2 reduction target of 55% from 2019 baseline, having achieved only ~12% reduction since 2019 as of CDP 2023 due to offshore wind re-entry. Scope 3 target remains intensity-based (per MWh), not absolute. The capped-at-4 rule for intensity targets would apply to Scope 3, but absolute Scop

Energy Source: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Vestas has sourced 100% of its electricity from renewable sources since 2013, achieved through local renewable PPAs and Vestas-owned wind farms. RE100 member since 2017. Market-based Scope 2 is just ~1Kt confirming near-zero grid electricity emissions. The remaining Scope 1 (~104Kt) is predominantly from the service vehicle fleet, which is being transitioned — 1,734 of 6,676 service vehicles were renewably fuelled by end-2024, and 92% of benefit cars were (PH)EVs. Score limited from 10 because s

Nature & Biodiversity Impact: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Vestas has explored SBTN and TNFD LEAP frameworks and conducts location-specific assessments in upstream operations. It implements bird and bat protection systems, environmental impact assessments, and marine biodiversity mitigation in offshore projects. However, Vestas does not consider biodiversity financially material per its double materiality assessment and has not set biodiversity targets, citing measurement challenges. A WHEB Q1 2025 engagement report confirmed Vestas remains hesitant to

Resource Use & Waste: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Vestas has set a zero-waste wind turbine target for 2040 and launched a Circularity Roadmap in 2021. By 2025, the rotor recyclability rate reached 94% (target: 100% by 2030). The company introduced low-emission steel towers in 2024, partnering with ArcelorMittal to reduce tower steel emissions by up to 66%. Life Cycle Assessments have been conducted since 1999 covering ~25,000 components. Measurable circular targets and supplier sustainability requirements are in place with public reporting.

Water Impact: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Vestas states its primary water consumption is for domestic purposes in manufacturing and that wind energy has a far lower water footprint than fossil fuels. During 2024-2025, Vestas implemented a new water management system across all locations where it manages water. Water scarcity footprint is included in its LCA methodology (AWARE model, ISO 14046 compliant). However, no specific quantified water reduction targets or water consumption figures were found in public sources, limiting the score.

Targets & Commitments: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

SBTi validated targets since 2020 at 1.5°C level — the first renewable energy manufacturer to achieve this. Scope 1+2 target: carbon neutrality by 2030 without offsets. Scope 3: 45% reduction per MWh by 2030. Updated 2030 targets from 2022 baseline (50% Scope 1+2 reduction, 45% Scope 3/MWh). Currently under SBTi re-validation in 2025 due to offshore wind scope expansion. However, will miss 2025 interim Scope 1+2 target (55% from 2019), and Scope 3 target is intensity-based not absolute, which li

Transparency & Accountability: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Vestas publishes a CSRD-aligned Sustainability Statement integrated in its Annual Report from 2024 onwards, verified by Deloitte. Dedicated VP and Head of Sustainability (Lisa Ekstrand). Board-level oversight via Audit Committee and newly created ESG Reporting and Procedures Committee. CDP disclosure, TCFD alignment, Sustainability-Linked Bonds with KPIs. ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified. Ranked #1 most sustainable energy solutions company by Corporate Knights Global 100 in January 2025. UN Glob

Controversies & Red Flags: How does Vestas Wind Systems score?

Start at 8. InfluenceMap identifies Vestas as a climate policy engagement leader with science-aligned advocacy, a member of WindEurope and SmartEn (both positive). Historical OSHA fines in 2010-2011 are resolved and over a decade old — no deduction. Some turbine collapses and fires (Australia 2022, Iowa 2022/2023) are operational incidents, not environmental malfeasance. Old Lake Turkana land concerns and US class action (settled 2014) are historical. One trade association (SAWEA) has taken some

Vestas Wind Systems Sustainability Score: 57/100

Recently scored: Dentsu, Omnicom, Publicis Groupe, WPP

507 companies scored·4 score updates this week

Vestas Wind Systems·Renewable Energy / Clean Energy Generation·Aarhus, Denmark·Founded 1945·Last verified 22 April 2026

out of 100

Making progressPending Review

Vestas leads on renewable electricity sourcing and third-party verified disclosure, but stumbles on absolute emissions reduction and biodiversity. Missing its 2025 Scope 1+2 target, relying on intensity-based Scope 3 metrics, and refusing to set biodiversity targets despite operating in sensitive environments.

No challenges currently filed

The calculation

Every score shows its working.

Same formula for every company. No curve. No private weighting.

SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale

Industry base impact

Renewable Energy / Clean Energy Generation sector ceiling.

75 / 100

Performance score

Sum of the 10 rubric questions, scored 0–10 each.

67 / 100

Raw score

Weighted average before scale penalty.

(0.3 × 75) + (0.7 × 67) = 69.4

Scale penalty

Multiplier based on absolute emissions volume — physics-first.

× 0.82

Final score

Rounded. Making progress.

57 / 100

The ten questions

Where Vestas Wind Systems is strong, and where it isn't.

Strongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Energy Source (8/10, 8/10). Weakest on Nature & Biodiversity Impact and Water Impact (4/10, 5/10).

Where the evidence comes from

Every document used, listed.

17 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.

[1]Third-party verified

Ditch Carbon - Vestas Organization Profile

Ongoing

Q1Q2Q3Q8

Every score shows its working.

Where Vestas Wind Systems is strong, and where it isn't.

Every document used, listed.

Vestas Wind Systems sits at the bottom of the renewable energy / clean energy generation pack.

Vestas Wind Systems's score over time.

This score is not currently being contested.

Related companies worth a look.

We'll let you know when the score moves.

Which companies moved this week, and why.