Uber Technologies, Inc. sustainability score: 25/100

Uber reports Scope 1 (~1,216 tonnes) and Scope 2 (~73,638 tonnes market-based) emissions using GHG Protocol methodology, submitted to CDP. Limited third-party assurance confirmed. Direct operational emissions relatively small for a platform company. Public accessibility reduced in 2025 after Uber stopped publishing standalone ESG reports.

Uber reports ~38.7 million tonnes CO₂e Scope 3 emissions in 2024, with driver vehicle emissions representing nearly 100% of total. Methodology disclosed and submitted to CDP. However, limited evidence of active supplier engagement to reduce emissions beyond EV incentive programmes across millions of drivers in 70+ countries.

Scope 3 emissions rose 68% in two years: 23 million tonnes (2022) to 38.7 million (2024). No absolute emission reduction recorded. While European carbon intensity per mile fell ~14% since 2021, this is an intensity metric; total absolute emissions climb as platform grows. Uber admitted inability to meet all 2025 EV goals.

Uber achieved 100% renewable energy match for US offices in 2023 and signed 10 MW virtual PPA with Enel Green Power for Texas wind. Plans global expansion by 2030. However, 83.2% of on-trip miles in Europe and 90.5% in US/Canada remain non-zero-emission vehicles as of Q3 2025, meaning platform energy remains overwhelmingly fossil-fuel powered.

No evidence of biodiversity assessment, TNFD disclosure, or deforestation policy found. Uber lacks published nature or biodiversity strategy. While not land-use-intensive, operations across 70+ countries involve millions of vehicles contributing to urban air pollution and habitat fragmentation. Packaging waste from Uber Eats adds environmental impact.

Uber targets 100% sustainable packaging (reusable, recyclable, or compostable) for Uber Eats restaurants by 2030, with interim 80% target for European and Asia-Pacific cities by 2025. Rethink Takeout initiative expanding reusable options. However, targets largely aspirational; no comprehensive circularity programme or verified waste reduction metrics disclosed.

Uber uses over 250,000 m³ water annually, with 15% sourced from high and extremely high water-stressed areas. No formal water management strategy, reduction targets, or water stewardship programme found. Water impact relatively low for a technology platform company, but disclosure minimal and oversight weak.

Uber has SBTi-validated targets: 42% absolute Scope 1&2 reduction by 2030, net-zero by 2040. Scope 3 target is intensity-based (34% per service km by 2030), not absolute—significant weakness given rising absolute emissions. Uses offsets strategically for hard-to-abate emissions only. Member of Climate Pledge and COP26 zero-emission vehicle declaration.

Uber published annual ESG reports 2020–2024 and discloses to CDP with limited third-party assurance. In 2025, company stopped publishing standalone ESG report and redirected stakeholders to CDP—significant step backward in public transparency. Executive compensation partially linked to Scope 1&2 reduction and EV percentage targets. Hired global head of sustainability in 2024.

Transport & Environment and Sierra Club publicly criticised Uber for greenwashing and increasing urban pollution and congestion. Academic research found Uber ride-hailing 41% higher carbon intensity than private cars in US/Canada. 2022 Guardian investigation exposed 124,000 leaked documents detailing secret lobbying. InfluenceMap found mostly positive climate policy engagement. Fundamental criticism that ride-hailing increases vehicle miles traveled remains unresolved.