Eco-efficiency: a double value proposition at work

EADS

Aviation supports more than 15 million jobs worldwide, connects the world and stimulates international trade. Over 2.5 billion passengers and approximately 50 million tonnes of freight are flown worldwide annually. So, how can the aviation industry make the transition towards a low-carbon economy? At EADS, the world’s second largest aerospace company, we are convinced this transition will only succeed if environmental progress brings economic benefit for companies and societies: eco-efficiency is about “doing more with less”.

The new A350 family addresses environmental concerns while answering the human need for mobility

Reconciling environmental progress with adding value to the business is not easy to achieve. We are determined, however, to overcome cultural and historic barriers and open the way for innovation and sustainable growth. Consequently eco-efficiency is one of the key targets embedded into the company’s long-term strategy, “Vision 2020”.

A managerial foundation

EADS has documented its commitment to eco-efficiency in its environmental policy. We are following up on this commitment by establishing an ambitious roadmap aimed not only at making our aircraft more eco-efficient, but turning EADS overall into an eco-efficient enterprise. This roadmap contains clear and ambitious emissions reduction and technology goals, with concrete milestones up to 2020. By then we will have met many goals, including reducing both our energy use by 30% and CO₂ emissions by 50%. To achieve this, EADS is moving towards an integrated environmental management system with a full life-cycle approach.

Computerised reporting tools help us to monitor progress. A full greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory according to UN standards is underway. EADS has established good transparency across the business, which has greatly helped us in forging ahead with ISO 14001 certification. Currently 62 sites are certified and more than 93% of EADS’ 118,000 employees are covered by standards for environmental management (EMAS or ISO 14001). As a signatory to the UN Global Compact and the Caring for Climate initiative, we are also committed to select and educate our suppliers in terms of how they manage environmental aspects.

Practical initiatives

	TerraSAR-X: Earth observation radar data of a new quality

As a major player in civil aviation through our market-leading Airbus aircraft, it is a key goal of EADS to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and the human need for mobility. Our A380 already is the world’s most eco-efficient airliner.

For the future, our central research unit is inventing lighter materials and, together with partner research institutes and companies, developing sustainable bio-fuels. Eurocopter’s recently launched “Bluecopter” initiative also aims at reducing noise and gas emissions. As an important part of our approach, EADS is taking into account the entire life-cycle of the product. Within the PAMELA project, over 85% of the components of a narrow-body aircraft will be reused or recycled.

Space technology is a key asset when it comes to understanding and monitoring climate change. To the EU’s “Kopernikus” earth observation programme, formerly known as GMES, EADS contributes key satellites as well as mission-critical observation instruments. Our space technology division Astrium has developed, manufactured and launched into service numerous observation satellites dedicated to the environment, including Envisat, the largest Earth observation spacecraft ever built. Its sophisticated optical and radar instruments enable us to monitor the environment from above.

Industry joins politics

Single product or company initiatives alone will not be sufficient to tackle climate change. A systemic approach is needed – an approach EADS is fully committed to. A revamped Europe-wide air traffic management system will save millions of tons of CO₂ emissions. In June 2009, Airbus became a full member of the SESAR Joint Undertaking, a unique private-public partnership to modernise air traffic management.

In another systemic approach, EADS is taking a leading role in the European Clean Sky initiative to further drastically reduce emissions from commercial aircraft. The Group is underlining its commitment with huge investments. EADS’ Airbus division has also subscribed to the 2020 goals of the Research and Technology Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe: the reduction of CO₂ emissions by 50%, aircraft noise levels by 50% and NOx emissions by 80%.

EADS strongly believes that actions to protect the environment and combat climate change can be harnessed in favour of economic growth. To do so, industry and politics must join forces, through well-targeted policy instruments encouraging investment and technological development.

Reconciling mobility and sustainability is a tough challenge, but EADS will master it. We feel a strong responsibility towards both our economies and societies. EADS and its employees are proud of this responsibility and are taking up the challenge. By taking on such difficult challenges – and creating the breakthrough technologies needed to master them – EADS is leading the way in making the fascinating aerospace industry eco-efficient. We invite everyone to join us in this effort!

EADS
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