Our GHG footprint

Every year, we calculate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the LEGO Group (our GHG emission footprint). Understanding our climate impact allows us to take action to improve it.

Illustrated globe and thermometer showing a high temperature

What are GHG emissions?

Greenhouse gases (GHG) are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. They let sunlight travel through, but they stop heat from exiting the atmosphere. While this protects the Earth from very low temperatures, an excess of GHG in the atmosphere results in global warming which is the main cause of climate change.

There are seven major types of GHG. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most common, which is why these emissions are often referred to as carbon emissions and expressed in the unit Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

To fight climate change, countries, businesses, and people need to reduce the GHG emissions they produce.

As part of our Planet Promise, we strive to play our part in helping build a sustainable future and make a positive impact on society and the planet, which children will inherit. This is why we are taking action to reduce the GHG emissions associated with our activities.

Illustrated LEGO creatures and text stating that 98% of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions are from the supply chain and 2% are from own operations

Our GHG emissions split

In 2022, only 1% of the LEGO Group total GHG emissions* were associated with operating LEGO f actories, offices, stores and vehicles. These GHG emissions are known as Scope 1 and 2.

The remaining 99% of GHG emissions*, also known as scope 3, are linked to activities outside of our own operations – e.g. the production of raw materials, distribution and transportation, and the treatment of LEGO® products when they are no longer needed for play, and more.

*These percentages have been calculated based on Scope 2 emissions calculated as market-based. Note: Location-based vs Market-based Scope 2 emissions as defined by the GHG Protocol: “A location-based method reflects the average emissions intensity of grids on which energy consumption occurs (using mostly grid-average emission factor data). A market-based method reflects emissions from electricity that companies have purposefully chosen (or their lack of choice).”

  • Illustrated LEGO creature as a factory with text scope 1 fuel use

    Scope 1

    Direct emissions from LEGO factories, offices, stores and vehicles.

  • Illustrated LEGO creature as a light bulb with text scope 2 electricity use

    Scope 2

    Indirect emissions from the energy we purchase to power LEGO factories, offices, stores and vehicles.

  • Illustrated LEGO creature as a truck with text scope 3 supply chain

    Scope 3

    Emissions from outside the LEGO Group operations, from our supply chain.

Photo of VP of Environmental Responsibility Tim Brooks and illustrated LEGO creatures

“Long-term emissions reduction is not a straight line, but we’re on the right path. We know the challenge is large and urgent, and we are prepared to do what it takes.

We’re making investments and business decisions in sustainable materials innovation, manufacturing technology and our supply chain. These actions combined will increase our carbon footprint in the short term, but will ultimately allow us to hit our science-based target in 2032 and reach net-zero by 2050.”

Tim Brooks, VP Environmental Responsibility
The LEGO Group

Table with CO<sub>2</sub> emissions for 2021 and 2022 and illustrated LEGO creatures

2022 GHG emissions

In 2022, our total GHG emissions were 1.6m tCO2e, up from 1.5m tCO2e in 2021. These GHG emissions include Scope 2 emissions calculated as market-based*. When considering Scope 2 location-based emissions; total GHG emissions for 2021 and 2022 were 1.6m tCO2e and 1.7m tCO2e respectively.

We remain on our path to long-term emission reductions, however, emissions increased in the near-term due to several factors:

  • We’ve purchased new equipment, including machines for paper-based packaging, and more energy-efficient molding machines.
  • Demand for LEGO products has increased significantly, which has contributed to company growth in new and existing markets.
  • We are building new carbon-neutral run factories in the USA and Vietnam to manufacture our products closer to the geographies where the demand is high.

*Note: Location-based vs Market-based Scope 2 emissions as defined by the GHG Protocol

Illustrated LEGO creature holding laptop and speech bubbles with thoughts and ideas

Explore our methodology

We calculate our GHG emissions annually and include the emissions from operations over which we have control (operational control).

Our emissions are calculated in accordance with the framework defined by the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol and incudes all GHG covered by the UNFCCC/Kyoto Protocol for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Our calculations are verified every year by an external third-party in accordance with the international standard on assurance engagements 3410.