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Where does Airbus stand on the environment? Airbus wants the aviation industry to focus on becoming an eco-efficient one. |
What does “eco-efficient” mean? For Airbus, eco-efficient means creating value with less environmental impact – in other words, doing more with less.
Airbus continually seeks and implements ways to produce more aircraft while using fewer resources and producing less waste. The company consistently monitors and minimises the environmental impact of its production processes and aircraft throughout their lifecycle – from design and production phases, through their full operational lifetimes, to eventual dismantling and recycling after retirement from service. |
How will Airbus’ environmental targets be achieved? Innovation and technology are key elements to Airbus’ efforts, as well as cross-sector and cross-industry collaboration. Airbus also believes it will achieve its environmental targets by implementing a life-cycle approach and eco-efficiency methodology to all operations – environmental considerations are central to Airbus processes and products. |
What is a life-cycle approach? Life-cycle approach is the analysis of a product’s environmental impacts at each step – from raw material procurement through manufacturing, operation and end-of-life – in order to control and reduce these impacts in the most efficient and appropriate way. |
How much does Airbus invest to improve its environmental performance? Airbus invests up to 500 million euros annually, while 80 per cent of its research & development contributes directly to eco-efficiency. |
Is aviation is the biggest contributor to CO2 emissions? It is widely accepted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that aviation accounts for around 2 per cent of CO2 emissions, which may rise to 3 per cent by 2050.
In comparison, road transport contributes 18 per cent of all CO2 emissions, with industry accounting for 23 per cent and power generation at 35 per cent. |
What are the prospects for bio-fuels? For second-generation bio-fuels – which don’t compete with food or forestry resources – Airbus expects that promising kerosene and bio-fuel blends will be identified by 2010.
By 2025, around 25 per cent of jet fuel could be alternative fuel – and by 2030, around 30 per cent of jet fuel could be bio-fuel. |
What are the prospects for fuel cells? Airbus and partners are pioneering fuel cell technology. In February 2008, an A320’s hydraulic and electrical power systems used fuel cells in the first flight of its kind. Fuel cells are emission-free, with the lone by-product being water – which could be used for the aircraft water and waste systems, reducing weight and increasing fuel efficiency. |
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