BAE High Level LCA
A framework for conducting an environmental impact assessment across BAE Systems’ Air Sector with a focus on Scope 3 emissions.
Sheffield University Management School (SUMS), in collaboration with the AMRC North West and BAE Systems, has established a framework for conducting an environmental impact assessment across BAE Systems' Air Sector fast jets, with a focus on Scope 3 emissions. This framework is in alignment with the UK Defence and Aviation Net Zero approach, The Jet Zero Council Strategy and BAE Systems’ Net Zero goals.
This system-level Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a BAE Systems product, identifies Scope 3 emissions 'hotspots' using LCA methodology incorporating key scenarios supporting BAE Systems in achieving its Net Zero ambitions.
It studies the environmental impact analysis of two types of interventions: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and digitalisation technologies, across various future scenarios against the baselines.
The analysis of the baseline scenario shows that most of the product’s environmental impact sits within the ‘Use’ phase of the life cycle and therefore Scope 3 emissions.
The SAF scenario shows the percentage impact on life cycle emissions of the product when kerosene-based jet fuel is replaced by several sustainable alternative fuel options in the use phase of the life cycle. The digitalisation scenario shows the environmental impact of the product when a percentage of live flying is replaced by simulations in the training and testing phases of the life cycle.
The study’s findings will support BAE Systems in making the transition to lower emissions processes and products.
