Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bright Horizons Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reporting
Bright Horizons Future Earth

We measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our global operations in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, giving us a consistent, organisation‑wide understanding of our environmental impact and where we can make the greatest difference.

At a UK level, we calculate and report UK‑specific emissions to reflect the particular characteristics and priorities of our operations. This helps us understand where our impacts sit and where focused action will have the most meaningful effect.

By concentrating on priority areas and implementing practical improvements, we’re taking steps to reduce emissions and strengthen performance over time. It’s about steady progress, thoughtful decisions, and recognising that everyday actions drive lasting change.

Scope 1 Emissions

FY2024

Scope 1 emissions account for 8% of our total UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and come from sources we directly control. These include the natural gas used to heat our childcare centres and offices, fuel consumed by our company‑owned vehicles, and refrigerants used across our facilities.


FY24 UK Scope 1 GHG Emissions: 3,506 tCO2e

Scope 2 Emissions

FY2024

Scope 2 emissions account for 5% of our total UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are generated from the electricity we purchase to power our childcare centres and offices.


In the UK, we procure Tier 1 renewable electricity for all sites covered by our centralised utilities contract. Tier 1 renewable electricity means that the energy we purchase comes from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydro.


This approach reduces the emissions associated with our electricity consumption and is reflected in our lower market‑based Scope 2 emissions.


FY24 UK Scope 2 GHG emissions (location-based): 2,116 tCO2e

FY24 UK Scope 2 GHG emissions (market-based): 578 tCO2e

Scope 3 Emissions

FY2024

Scope 3 emissions account for 87% of our total UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reflecting the wider impacts across our value chain. We calculate emissions across key Scope 3 categories, including purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy‑related activities, waste, business travel, and employee commuting.


Our largest source of Scope 3 emissions is Purchased Goods and Services (Scope 3.1), followed by Employee Commuting (Scope 3.7). This reflects the nature of our operations, with a large proportion of our workforce made up of nursery practitioners and colleagues who travel daily to deliver care and education across our childcare centres.


Understanding these emissions allows us to identify priority areas for action. We are actively developing initiatives across our key Scope 3 categories, working with suppliers, supporting more sustainable travel choices, and embedding sustainability into decision‑making to reduce emissions and drive long‑term environmental progress.

Learn more

To learn more about our climate efforts and performance, see our 2025 CDP response. CDP disclosure

Find out more about our global climate efforts.