Sustainability Comparison

Glencore plc vs Rio Tinto Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

Rio Tinto scores 3 points higher than Glencore plc on SINK's sustainability index.

Question-by-question

How each category compares

Category
Glencore
Rio
Carbon Footprint — Operations
7/10
7/10
Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain
5/10
5/10
Emissions Trajectory
4/10
3/10
Energy Source
1/10
6/10
Nature & Biodiversity Impact
3/10
3/10
Resource Use & Waste
2/10
3/10
Water Impact
4/10
4/10
Targets & Commitments
2/10
3/10
Transparency & Accountability
6/10
6/10
Controversies & Red Flags
1/10
0/10
Frequently asked

Glencore plc vs Rio Tinto, answered.

Which is more sustainable, Glencore plc or Rio Tinto?

Rio Tinto is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 20/100 vs Glencore plc's 17/100 — a difference of 3 points.

What is Glencore plc's SINK sustainability score?

Glencore plc scores 17/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Significant gaps). Glencore operates one of the world's largest mining portfolios with massive absolute emissions (416 Mt CO2e in 2024) and negligible renewable energy adoption (3.5%). Despite 25% emissions reductions since 2019, the company undermines its own trajectory by acquiring $7 billion in steelmaking coal assets. Unresolved corruption convictions, active greenwashing complaints, and climate policy obstruction define its record.

What is Rio Tinto's SINK sustainability score?

Rio Tinto scores 20/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Significant gaps). Rio Tinto is a major diversified miner with high absolute emissions (31.5 Mt CO₂e Scope 1&2, 575.7 Mt Scope 3), stalled progress on climate targets, and no Scope 3 reduction plan. The company faces documented water pollution fines, the Juukan Gorge sacred site destruction, and active anti-climate lobbying—contradicting public sustainability claims.

How does SINK compare Glencore plc and Rio Tinto?

Both companies are rated on the same 10-question SINK rubric: Scope 1/2/3 carbon footprint, energy source, nature and biodiversity, resource use, water, emissions trajectory, science-based targets, transparency, and controversies. Scores are 0–100, based on public data, and fully reproducible.

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