Greenhouse gas emissions that result from activities a company does not directly control, such as sourcing raw materials, production facilities outside the company's ownership, and use of products by consumers.
Airbus, the European aerospace giant, is focusing on reducing its Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly in the downstream sector. These emissions, which come from the use of sold products like commercial aircraft, are the most challenging to address but account for the majority of Airbus' emissions.
The company's decarbonisation strategy involves more than just innovation; it requires continuous improvement of products and industry-wide collaboration. Less carbon-intensive fuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), are a key component of this strategy.
Reducing Scope 3 Emissions Downstream
Airbus is integrating SAF usage assumptions over the aircraft's lifetime and optimizing aircraft performance and configurations to improve fuel efficiency. This approach excludes emissions from auxiliary power units and ground handling equipment. Key measures to reduce Scope 3 emissions downstream include promoting and integrating SAF, optimizing aircraft design and operation, and focusing efforts on the most impactful emissions sectors.
Industry Collaborations for Decarbonization
Airbus is actively participating in and supporting several initiatives to drive decarbonization. Collaborations with airlines, such as Lufthansa, aim to promote sustainable corporate travel using SAF. The company also engages with international aviation climate frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Airbus recognises the need for stronger industry-wide efforts beyond offsets. Insiders and employees have called for an accelerated adoption of SAF and the elimination of fossil kerosene reliance by 2050. Airbus Protect, a service provided by the company, enhances climate resilience and adaptation for airlines and airports, offering climate risk assessments, disruption predictions, and support for stakeholder engagement towards decarbonization strategies.
A Comprehensive Approach to Decarbonization
This multi-faceted approach combines technology, alternative fuels, operational efficiency, and partnerships with airlines and climate-focused organizations to reduce Scope 3 emissions downstream and drive broader industry decarbonization. The transition to alternative forms of energy is necessary for Airbus' decarbonisation, and continuous improvement of products is a crucial part of the strategy.
In summary, Airbus' efforts are directed at reducing aviation’s environmental impact in line with global climate goals.
| Aspect | Airbus Actions & Collaborations | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Scope 3 Downstream Emissions | SAF integration according to IEA-SDS scenarios[1], optimizing aircraft efficiency[1] | | Industry Collaborations | Lufthansa & Airbus SAF use for business travel[2], engagement in SBTi and CORSIA targets[3] | | Climate Adaptation Services | Airbus Protect climate risk and disruption assessments for airlines and airports[5] |
[1] Airbus (2021). Airbus Corporate Sustainability Report 2021. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/content/dam/airbus/documents/Airbus-Corporate-Sustainability-Report-2021.pdf [2] Airbus (2021). Airbus and Lufthansa Group sign agreement for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in business travel. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/06/airbus-and-lufthansa-group-sign-agreement-for-the-use-of-sustainable-aviation-fuel-sa-in-business-travel.html [3] Airbus (2021). Airbus calls for accelerated adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and elimination of fossil kerosene reliance by 2050. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/11/airbus-calls-for-accelerated-adoption-of-sustainable-aviation-fuel-sa-and-elimination-of-fossil-kerosene-reliance-by-2050.html [5] Airbus (2021). Airbus Protect supports airlines and airports in enhancing climate resilience and adaptation. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/01/airbus-protect-supports-airlines-and-airports-in-enhancing-climate-resilience-and-adaptation.html
