Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from activities not under direct company control, such as energy use in manufacturing or transportation of projects and products by suppliers or customers.
Airbus, the global aerospace company, is focusing its decarbonisation efforts on reducing Scope 3 emissions, which account for the majority of its greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions come from activities that are not directly under Airbus' control, such as the supply chain and product usage.
To address Scope 3 emissions, Airbus is taking a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, it is working to enhance the efficiency of its commercial aircraft and optimise their configuration to lower fuel burn during their service life. Secondly, Airbus is incorporating assumptions for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) over the lifetimes of its products. This includes supporting SAF supply chain development and adhering to projections from the International Energy Agency Sustainable Development Scenario (IEA-SDS).
In addition, Airbus is committed to supporting customer airlines through climate resilience and adaptation services. These services help airlines manage operational disruptions and emissions risks, thereby contributing indirectly to decarbonisation efforts by improving efficiency and risk management.
When it comes to industry-wide collaborations, Airbus is actively participating in partnerships that support SAF development and uptake. These collaborations span biorefineries producing sustainable fuels from biomass, as well as agreements involving airlines and fuel suppliers to accelerate SAF use and supply chain transformation. Airbus is also engaged in climate resilience projects to assist airlines in adapting to climate impacts, which further supports operational sustainability.
Airbus's strategy for reducing Scope 3 emissions also involves engaging in multi-stakeholder partnerships with fuel producers, airlines, technology companies, and governments to promote and scale SAF and other decarbonization technologies. The company is committed to industry-wide net-zero targets, facilitated through SAF uptake and enabling carbon-neutral technologies.
Airbus's focus on Scope 3 emissions extends to its Sustainable Supply Chain Roadmap. The company works with suppliers to commit to sustainable business practices and assesses the sustainability maturity and risks of its suppliers. It is also looking to transition to less carbon-intensive fuels and alternative forms of energy as part of its decarbonisation efforts.
In conclusion, Airbus recognises the importance of Scope 3 emissions and is taking a comprehensive approach to address them. This includes enhancing aircraft efficiency, incorporating SAF usage assumptions, supporting climate resilience services for customer airlines, engaging in industry-wide collaborations, and focusing on its Sustainable Supply Chain Roadmap. Airbus's efforts are aligned with science-based targets and broader aviation decarbonisation goals.
[1] Airbus (2021). Airbus Sustainability Report 2020. Retrieved from www.airbus.com/sustainability/reporting/2020
[2] Airbus (2021). Airbus and SkyNRG to collaborate on SAF production and supply. Retrieved from www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/02/airbus-and-skynrg-to-collaborate-on-saf-production-and-supply.html
[3] Airbus (2020). Airbus and the European Space Agency team up to support airlines in climate resilience. Retrieved from www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/12/airbus-and-the-european-space-agency-team-up-to-support-airlines-in-climate-resilience.html
- Airbus is working in the field of environmental science, particularly focusing on decarbonisation efforts within the aerospace industry, with an emphasis on reducing Scope 3 emissions.
- In collaboration with SkyNRG, a biorefinery producer, Airbus is actively engaging in business ventures to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and supply as a means to combat climate-change.
- Airbus' decarbonisation strategy extends beyond its own operations, collaborating with various stakeholders in the industry, including airlines, technology companies, and governments, to promote and scale SAF and other decarbonization technologies, aligning with science-based targets and broader aviation decarbonisation goals.
