US-based industrial automation group Rockwell Automation published its 2025 Sustainability Report this week, offering insight into its priorities across environmental performance, workforce development, and community engagement. Automation News had a look through to find out what it told us about the company’s priorities for the coming year.
1. More focus on indirect carbon emissions
Rockwell reported that total Scope 1 and 2 emissions of 93,883 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in FY25, with a market-based intensity of 11.3 metric tonnes per million dollars of sales, slightly lower than 11.5 in FY24. Essentially that means the amount of carbon emissions the company is itself directly responsible for fell slightly in 2025 as the company continued a policy of ensuring its facilities are as energy efficient as possible. Direct emissions stem from fleet, natural gas, aviation, and refrigerants, with electricity accounting for the bulk of Scope 2.
However, like pretty much every company on the planet, Rockwell estimates that 99% of its carbon footprint comes from indirect emissions, known as Scope 3. These are emissions from suppliers, logistics partners, and the use of its products. Purchased goods and services, upstream transportation, and use of sold products are the largest contributors. Rockwell acknowledged that reducing these emissions is complex and requires coordinated efforts across the value chain. In December 2025, it submitted its near-term and long-term targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with public announcements expected once these are approved.
2. Safety performance is important
Rockwell says that workforce safety continues to be a priority. The company maintained a Recordable Case Rate (an index which measures the number of work-related injuries and illnesses per 100 full time employees over a year) of 0.24 in FY25, outperforming its internal target of 0.27 and well below the first quartile of Electronic Equipment Manufacturing peers, which the company stands at 1.0. Rockwell said it set the FY26 goal at 0.24.
3. A third of the workforce are women
Rockwell’s global workforce is 33% female and 67% male, with 70% identifying as white. Age demographics show 22% under 30, 56% aged 31–50, and 22% over 50. Beyond diversity, the company invests heavily in workforce development. Its Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) trains military veterans for technical roles, achieving a 90% graduation rate, 86% job placement, and an average starting salary of $75,000. Partnerships with universities, technical schools, and global STEM programmes support students in developing the skills needed for Industry 4.0 roles.
4. Focus on community impact and STEM engagement
Rockwell’s community initiatives extend from disaster relief to STEM education. In FY25, employees logged nearly 30,000 volunteer hours, supporting more than 1,500 organisations worldwide. Programmes included robotics competitions, vocational internships for high school students, and agritech education initiatives in Wisconsin, India, and Australia. These activities reflect a global footprint in workforce readiness, inclusive education, and community engagement, demonstrating that corporate social responsibility is closely tied to the company’s operational and strategic goals.
5. Sustainability is framed as a growth strategy
The company emphasised that Rockwell’s sustainability efforts are not symbolic or a compliance exercise. Environmental and social initiatives are directly linked to operational performance and customer value. Energy-efficient products, digital twins, and advanced automation technologies help customers reduce energy use, minimise waste, and lower emissions while maintaining productivity and quality.
“As both a manufacturer and a trusted partner to industrial companies around the world, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of operations through innovation and sustainability,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation. “Our technologies help customers reduce energy use, minimise waste, and lower emissions while improving productivity and quality. From smart machines and digital twins to advanced motion control and cybersecurity, our solutions are enabling manufacturers to meet their sustainability goals without compromising performance.”
