ICON plc (ICLR) posts top-1% ESG score and 73% emissions cut
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
ICON plc (ICLR) reported on its 2025 ICON Cares ESG progress, highlighting advances in environmental performance, patient impact, innovation and workforce initiatives. ICON achieved an EcoVadis score of 87/100, earning Platinum status and placing it in the top 1% of assessed organisations, and improved its CDP Climate Change score from B- to B. Environmental actions included sourcing 97.05% of global electricity from renewable sources in 2025, a 24% reduction in electricity use versus a 2018 baseline, and a 73.56% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions versus 2019, along with a 6.74% reduction in Scope 3 emissions versus 2022. ICON supported over 1,370 clinical studies involving more than 411,400 patients in 2025, contributing to 25 unique products receiving original or supplemental approval. The company employed approximately 40,200 people in 99 locations across 55 countries as of June 30, 2026.
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Key Figures
EcoVadis score: 87/100
Renewable electricity share: 97.05%
Electricity reduction: 24%
+5 more
8 metrics
EcoVadis score
87/100
Score achieved in 2025, earning Platinum Medal status and top 1% ranking
Renewable electricity share
97.05%
Portion of global electricity consumption from renewable sources in 2025
Electricity reduction
24%
Reduction in kWh of electricity versus 2018 baseline, surpassing 2030 20% target
Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction
73.56%
Reduction versus 2019 baseline, exceeding near-term SBTi target
Scope 3 emissions reduction
6.74%
Reduction versus 2022 level reported for 2025
Clinical studies supported
over 1,370
Number of clinical studies supported during 2025
Patients involved
more than 411,400
Patients involved in ICON-supported studies in 2025
Employees
approximately 40,200
Global employees as of June 30, 2026, across 99 locations in 55 countries
Key Terms
EcoVadis score, Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, Scope 3 emissions, Science-based targets, +2 more
6 terms
EcoVadis score other
"ICON achieved an EcoVadis score of 87/100, earning Platinum Medal status"
Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions financial
"a 73.56% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions"
Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions are the carbon and other greenhouse gases a company produces directly and indirectly from its energy use: Scope 1 covers emissions from sources the company owns or controls (like fuel burned in company vehicles or boilers), while Scope 2 covers emissions tied to purchased electricity, heat or steam. Investors care because these emissions affect regulatory costs, operating expenses, reputation and long-term risk exposure — like a company’s “tailpipe” and its “electric bill” for climate impact.
Scope 3 emissions financial
"reported a 6.74% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared to 2022"
Scope 3 emissions are greenhouse gases produced indirectly by a company’s value chain—everything from the materials it buys and the goods it ships to how customers use or dispose of its products. Think of it as the full “carbon footprint” beyond a company’s own operations; investors watch it because these hidden emissions can signal future regulatory costs, supply-chain risks, reputational exposure, and opportunities for efficiency that affect long‑term profitability.
Science-based targets other
"made progress against its environmental commitments and science-based targets during 2025"
Targets that set how much a company will cut its greenhouse gas emissions over time based on the level of reductions scientists say are needed to limit global warming. Think of them as a company’s climate roadmap, with concrete milestones tied to scientific guidance; investors use them to gauge future regulatory, physical and reputational risk, the company’s preparedness for a low-carbon economy, and the credibility of its long-term strategy.
Sustainable Procurement program financial
"Sustainable Procurement program: By the end of 2025, 94% of preferred suppliers"
AI-enabled solutions technical
"ICON continued to invest in AI-enabled solutions designed to support clinical development"
AI-enabled solutions are products or services that use artificial intelligence—software that identifies patterns and learns from data—to automate tasks, generate insights, or make predictions for customers and operations. For investors, they matter because they can reduce costs, speed up decisions, and open new revenue sources much like replacing manual tools with powered ones; their adoption affects a company's growth potential, competitive edge, and exposure to risks like model mistakes or data dependence.
FAQ
What ESG achievements did ICON plc (ICLR) highlight in its 2025 ICON Cares Report?
ICON reported an EcoVadis score of 87/100 with Platinum status, placing it in the top 1% of assessed organisations, and an improved CDP Climate Change score from B- to B, alongside strong emissions and energy reduction progress.
How much of ICON plc (ICLR)'s electricity came from renewable sources in 2025?
In 2025, 97.05% of ICON’s global electricity consumption came from renewable sources. This high share supports ICON’s science-based environmental commitments and complements its 24% reduction in electricity use versus a 2018 baseline.
What greenhouse gas emissions reductions did ICON plc (ICLR) report for 2025?
ICON reported a 73.56% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions versus its 2019 baseline and a 6.74% reduction in Scope 3 emissions versus 2022, exceeding its near-term Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goal for Scope 1 and 2.
How many clinical studies and patients did ICON plc (ICLR) support in 2025?
In 2025, ICON supported over 1,370 clinical studies involving more than 411,400 patients. These activities contributed to 25 unique products receiving original or supplemental regulatory approval across the healthcare ecosystem.
What workforce and recognition data did ICON plc (ICLR) disclose?
ICON employed approximately 40,200 employees in 99 locations across 55 countries as of June 30, 2026, and was recognised among TIME World’s Best Companies, Forbes World’s Top Companies for Women and America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025.
How is ICON plc (ICLR) using AI and technology in its operations?
ICON invested in AI-enabled solutions, including its proprietary Orbis platform, which received the AI Project of the Year award at the Analytics & AI Awards 2025, supporting more efficient clinical trial operations with governance and human oversight.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of August 2026
Commission File Number: 333-08704
ICON plc
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 X5R3, Ireland
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
| EXHIBIT LIST | |||||
| Exhibit | Description | ||||
99.1 | ICON Releases 2025 ICON Cares Report, Highlighting Progress in Patient Impact, Innovation and Sustainability | ||||
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| ICON plc | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date: August 20, 2026 | By: | /s/ Nigel Clerkin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name: | Nigel Clerkin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
ICON Releases 2025 ICON Cares Report, Highlighting Progress in Patient Impact, Innovation and Sustainability
Dublin, Ireland, August 20, 2026 – ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR) (“ICON”), a world-leading clinical research organisation, today releases its ICON Cares 2025 Report which outlines how the company is delivering on its environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities with cutting-edge clinical innovation to drive both industry-leading efficiencies and positive global impact.
In recognition of its progress during 2025, ICON achieved an EcoVadis score of 87/100, earning Platinum Medal status and ranking ICON in the top 1% of all organisations assessed, while also improving its CDP Climate Change score from B- to B. ICON was also named among TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies.
On publication of the report, ICON’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry Balfe, commented: "During 2025, we continued to modernise our services, embrace new technologies and strengthen the capabilities of our people to help bring life-enhancing treatments to patients faster. The achievements highlighted in this report reflect the dedication of our teams around the world and the positive impact we can make when we combine scientific expertise, technology and a strong commitment to deliver for our customers."
Conducting business sustainably
ICON made progress against its environmental commitments and science-based targets during 2025. Highlights include:
-Renewable electricity: 97.05% of global electricity consumption in 2025 was from renewable sources.
-Energy reduction: 24% reduction in kWh of electricity compared to 2018 baseline, surpassing the company's 2030 target of a 20% reduction ahead of schedule.
-Emissions reductions: ICON achieved a 73.56% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2019 baseline, exceeding its near-term SBTi target. The company also reported a 6.74% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared to 2022.
-Sustainable Procurement program: By the end of 2025, 94% of preferred suppliers had sustainability engagement plans and 79% had an EcoVadis scorecard.
Advancing health equity and patient access
In 2025, ICON supported over 1,370 clinical studies involving more than 411,400 patients, through data-driven solutions and patient-centred services. These efforts contributed to 25 unique products receiving original or supplemental approval. The company also strengthened partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem to support more representative and accessible clinical research.
Leveraging innovation and AI to accelerate progress
ICON continued to invest in AI-enabled solutions designed to support clinical development and operational excellence. ICON’s proprietary Orbis platform received the AI Project of the Year award at the Analytics & AI Awards 2025, as the company continued to deploy AI capabilities across clinical trial operations, helping teams work more efficiently, improving decision-making and accelerating delivery for customers, with robust governance and human oversight.
Fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging
ICON continued to prioritise employee development, engagement and wellbeing across its global workforce who highlighted ICON's collaborative environment, flexible working practices and strong colleague relationships as key strengths of the organisation in company surveys. The company was also recognised as one of TIME World's Best Companies, Forbes World’s Top Companies for Women and America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025.
The company's corporate giving program has now funded over 135 charities since its launch, with employees participating in community initiatives around the world through volunteering, fundraising and corporate giving programs. Furthermore, ICON expanded its global partnership with UNICEF to support humanitarian relief efforts and health initiatives worldwide.
The full ICON Cares 2025 ESG Report is available here.
About ICON plc
ICON plc is a world-leading clinical research organisation. Offering deep operational and medical expertise we accelerate innovation, driving emerging therapies forward to improve
patient outcomes. From molecule to medicine, we deliver integrated consulting, clinical development, commercialisation and post-marketing solutions to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, government and public health organisations worldwide. With headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, ICON employed approximately 40,200 employees in 99 locations in 55 countries as at June 30, 2026. For further information about ICON, visit: www.iconplc.com.
ICON/ICLR-G
Media contacts
Lisa Henry (GMT time zone)
Weber Shandwick (PR adviser)
+44 7785 458203
lisa.henry@omc.com
Weber Shandwick (PR adviser)
+44 7785 458203
lisa.henry@omc.com
ICON Press Office
ICON@omnicompr.com
ICON@omnicompr.com
Source: ICON plc