Equinor sustainability score: 18/100

Equinor reports full Scope 1+2 emissions (11.0 Mt CO₂e in 2024, down 5% YoY, 34% from 2015) via GHG Protocol with limited third-party assurance. Upstream CO₂ intensity of 6.2 kg/boe is below industry average. Data is granular, publicly disclosed, multi-year tracked by facility. However, absolute emissions remain massive from major fossil fuel operations.

Equinor reports 251 Mt CO₂e Scope 3 in 2024, with 94% from use of sold products. Through CDP supply chain programme, 67% of upstream Scope 3 from tier-1 suppliers covered. Methodology demonstrated across complex maritime, steel, cement supply chains. However, product-use emissions are enormous and effectively unchangeable without reducing fossil fuel production.

Operated Scope 1+2 fell 5% (11.6 Mt to 11.0 Mt, 2023–2024) via electrification. Scope 3 rose from 243 Mt (2022) to 251 Mt (2024), driven by increased production. Oil and gas output planned to grow 10%+ by 2027. Net carbon intensity only 2% below 2019. 2030/2035 NCI targets weakened in 2026. Absolute total emissions not declining.

Renewables constitute only 0.4% of Equinor's total energy production. In February 2025, company halved renewables investment to $5B (2025–2027) and cut installed capacity targets from 12–16 GW to 10–12 GW by 2030. Floating offshore wind (Hywind Tampen, Dogger Bank) are energy products for sale, not company energy transition. Not RE100 member.

Equinor has published biodiversity position with net positive impact ambition by 2030 and maps operational assets near protected and high-value areas. However, operates in sensitive marine environments (Arctic, North Sea, Argentine Sea). Rosebank challenged on biodiversity grounds. No TNFD disclosure identified. Produced water, drilling waste, and underwater sound emissions are significant environmental aspects.

Equinor manages drilling waste, produced water, and chemical discharges as significant environmental aspects. Conducts environmental impact assessments. However, core business is inherently extractive and linear—hydrocarbon extraction for combustion. No comprehensive circular economy targets or supply chain sustainability requirements beyond regulatory compliance identified.

Equinor identifies produced and processed water discharge to sea as significant environmental aspect. As offshore operator, produced water discharge is substantial. Environmental monitoring reported through Sustainability Data Hub. No specific water reduction targets or stewardship programmes identified. Marine operations involve significant pollution risks: chemical discharges and drilling fluids.

Equinor targets 50% operated Scope 1+2 reduction by 2030 vs 2015 (90% via absolute reductions, up to 10% via carbon credits). Net-zero 2050 ambition covers all scopes. No SBTi validation (sector paused). In 2026, weakened NCI targets: 2030 5–15% (from 20%); 2035 15–30% (from 40%). Plans 10%+ oil and gas production growth by 2027. Relies on non-existent CCS scale.

Equinor publishes integrated annual reports (CSRD/ESRS compliant), discloses through CDP (B score, 2024), GRI standards, Sustainability Data Hub. TCFD-aligned. Board oversight of sustainability in place. MSCI ESG rating AA. However, CDP B score suggests room for improvement. InfluenceMap notes incomplete lobbying disclosure. Transparency on target weakening evident but substance deteriorated.

ASA upheld greenwashing complaint on renewable advertising. French CRE fined €4M for REMIT market manipulation. Active lawsuits: Breidablikk ruled invalid (Oslo court), Rosebank consent unlawful (Scottish court), Bay du Nord challenged (Canada). ClientEarth identifies systematic greenwashing. Remains in API (InfluenceMap F-rated), CAPP, BusinessEurope, FuelsEurope. Opposed science-based policy at COP28; lobbied to water down EU green standards.