Climate change is increasingly recognised as a “threat multiplier” and national security priority. Many experts warn that it will lead to further hostilities and global conflict. This will impact the tasks the military is called upon to undertake, with defence likely to be key in providing humanitarian assistance. Yet, the sector currently contributes 6% of global greenhouse gases.
This year’s IDEX is being held in the Year of Sustainability, bringing a heightened awareness of the need for decarbonisation in defence and aerospace. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, IDEX is set to welcome thousands of visitors and exhibitors and is an opportunity to unpack the sector’s role in mitigating climate change.
ESG Mena spoke with companies in the sector ahead of IDEX to gain insight into the latest sustainability developments in defence and aerospace.
Combatting carbon emissions
Currently, predictions are that without intervention, aviation emissions could be responsible for 22% of the world’s global emissions by 2050. Similarly, the global defence industry’s contribution to CO2 emissions could jump to 25% by 2050.
Considering the role defence and aerospace will likely play in combating the effects of climate change, the sector must not lose the fight against lowering its carbon emissions. Likewise, it is essential companies realise their climate pledges, considering that a “large loophole” in the Paris Agreement means many governments can evade providing full data on emissions by armed forces.
There are, however, significant challenges to overcome when greening the sector. Aerospace faces various obstacles, including technical feasibility, scale, cost, infrastructural challenges and regulation. Similarly, defence, compared with other sectors, is in the early stages of its sustainability journey, with safety, reliability, and performance key considerations when forming sustainability strategies.
Centring the circular economy
Although strides have been made regarding waste management over the last few decades, waste from defence and aerospace still poses a big threat to achieving sustainability goals. In defence, military equipment is often scrapped or destroyed, while in aerospace, it’s projected that 12,000 airliners will reach the end of their lives over the next ten years. This is especially concerning considering composites are often made up of layers of materials and resins that are heated and compressed, complicating the recycling process and meaning many are destined to join aircraft graveyards.
Of course, these industries have a significant opportunity to play a more prominent role in the circular economy. Across the board, improvements can be made regarding waste prevention and reduction. More sustainable materials, better recycling strategies and greater investment in more advanced waste management technologies are also required.
Enviroserve is a company facilitating change here, and for over 18 years, it has been offering compliant destruction and recycling services to the defence industry. Speaking about this, Stuart Fleming, Managing Partner, Enviroserve, said: “The benefits of imposing circular economy principles in the defence domain is “paramount” to reduce environmental impact through “greater recycling of resources, less waste levels and reducing dependence on imported strategic components.”
Further, Fleming explained that scaling up recycling programs for e-waste not only protects the environment, but also paves the path to protecting the defence system from the “potentially grave risks” posed by failure-prone counterfeit electronic parts, which he said causes significant problems in crucial defence technologies. “Brand protection, safety and security, verified destruction, unlocking the economic value of waste are key drivers while managing defence assets,” he said.
The path to decarbonisation
Greening defence and aerospace requires innovation and collaboration, with aircraft design, new propulsion technologies, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and efficient air traffic management (ATM), all areas currently being prioritised in sustainability strategies by companies across the sector.
Chief Sustainability Officer at Collins Aerospace, LeAnn Ridgeway, told ESG Mena that in today’s changing environment, defence customers and military partners require solutions that “deliver mission-critical results” while “limiting environmental impact and enabling advanced operational efficiency.” Moreover, considering the longevity and lifespan of defence products, she emphasised the need for action toward decarbonisation now.
CAE echoed these sentiments, outlining that one way it’s driving forward decarbonisation is through utilising training simulators, through which it has prevented the emission of hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 each year. Further, the company highlighted the role that green buildings, product upgrades, electric aircrafts and green sourcing have to play in decarbonisation.
Meanwhile, Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), explained that for Boeing, fleet renewal, operational efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced technology are the four key areas of the company’s decarbonisation strategy. He also highlighted the military as having a “potentially key role in accelerating renewable energy,” specifically regarding the uptake of SAF. Concerning the latter, Ghata-Aura discussed Boeing’s partnership with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to conduct SAF flight tests and fuel studies. Ghata-Aura stated the more aeroplanes that can use SAF, “the greater the demand for SAF will become,” which he said will move the industry away from traditional fuel. Bombardier is another industry leader in this regard, as the first business aviation manufacturer to cover all its operational flights with SAF.
Likewise, GE is also supporting efforts to increase the use and availability of alternative fuels. In 2021 alone, it invested $1.6 billion in research and development spending. Moreover, GE outlined that its engines can also operate on approved SAF and have been successfully tested with 100% SAF that doesn’t require blending with conventional jet fuel.
Technological innovation driving change
An essential part of sector decarbonisation is the development of sustainable technology, and a key component of this in aerospace, as highlighted by Ridgeway, is alternative propulsion systems. According to Ridgeway, alongside delivering lighter weight and more electric systems, advanced propulsion products that work in tandem with the former enable lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and greater overall energy efficiency. She explained that with sister businesses, Pratt & Whitney and the Raytheon Technologies Research Center, the company is currently working on future alternative propulsion systems to move the needle on sustainable flight. “For example, we’re adapting engines, fuel systems and components to enable 100% SAF-ready aircraft, and we’re also developing hybrid-electric propulsion systems,” she said.
This is something also being explored by Bombardier through its EcoJet research project. Currently, in the development phase, the project aims to reduce emissions through aerodynamics and propulsion enhancements. Likewise, a GE spokesperson shared that advanced engine architectures, including open fan, hybrid electric propulsion systems, and new compact engine core designs, will “all be key to watch in 2023 and beyond.”
Elsewhere, Ridgeway emphasised the role of digital and data-driven solutions for route optimisation and improved air traffic management. She highlighted that Collins monitors usage and maintenance through AI and connected smart sensor solutions so engines and equipment can operate at optimal levels for reduced fuel consumption and cost, increased safety and mission readiness.
Sustainable industry growth
The global aerospace and defence sector is set to grow significantly over the next few years, and this growth must be sustainability-driven. Digital transformation, clean energy and partnerships are key, while action and innovation must take precedence over unsubstantiated corporate climate pledges.