Sustainability in the Industry

Aerospace and defense

Impacts, Risks and Opportunities

Sustainability in Aerospace and defense

The aerospace industry is facing a dual transformation: It must remain technologically leading while simultaneously becoming more environmentally responsible. Aircraft manufacturers are investing in low-emission propulsion technologies such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), electric, and hydrogen propulsion to gradually reduce the carbon footprint of air transport.

Spaceflight opens up new perspectives for sustainable Earth observation: Satellite systems provide precise climate data, support the monitoring of deforestation, sea levels, and extreme weather events, and are thus becoming an indispensable tool for global environmental management. At the same time, commercial spaceflight is growing rapidly – ​​with new demands on resource-efficient launch procedures and reusable launch systems.
The defense sector is under pressure to combine technological superiority with increasing energy efficiency. Autonomous systems, AI-supported situational awareness, and cybersecurity are gaining importance compared to traditional heavy-lift technology. Sustainable procurement, durable materials, and energy-efficient operating concepts are increasingly being incorporated into defense strategies. The sustainable design of aircraft and spacecraft relies on lighter materials, additive manufacturing processes, and circular component design. Life cycle costs and component traceability are considered as early as the development phase. The industry bears responsibility for shaping technological innovations—from drones and satellites to hypersonic systems—in a way that meets the needs of civil society and the planet. How can global security, mobility, and connectivity be organized in a way that conserves resources and reduces emissions? The answer lies in the intelligent combination of digitalization, new propulsion systems, and circular production.

The industry includes, for example, aircraft manufacturing, spacecraft technology, satellite systems, and defense technology.

Industry Materiality

Key Fields and Topics in the Industry 

 

Sustainability is different by industry. Learn key material filed and topics in Aerospace and defense.

 

Climate

Climate protection

Nature

Pollution

Society

End-consumers

Work

Employees

EU NACE Classification 

Industry NACE Classes

Unsure if the industry is the right one? A comparison with the EU’s granular NACE classification Rev. 2.1 provides clarity.

Included NACE classes in the industry

C 25.3 Manufacture of weapons and ammunition
C 25.30 Manufacture of weapons and ammunition
C 30.13 Building of military ships and vessels
C 30.3 Manufacture of air and spacecraft and related machinery
C 30.31 Manufacture of civilian air and spacecraft and related machinery
C 30.32 Manufacture of military air and spacecraft and related machinery
C 30.4 Manufacture of military fighting vehicles
C 30.40 Manufacture of military fighting vehicles
C 33.16 Repair and maintenance of civilian air and spacecraft
C 33.17 Repair and maintenance of other civilian transport equipment
C 33.18 Repair and maintenance of military fighting vehicles, ships, boats, air and spacecraft

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