Climate Impact from Aero-engines Components in the Value Chain : A scope 3 emission case study at GKN Aerospace Sweden AB

Sammanfattning

This master thesis investigates the climate impacts of aero-engine components within the value chain of GKN Aerospace Engine Systems, focusing on scope 3 emissions. The research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of CO2 emissions associated with two emission categories, namely category 11 - use of sold products and category 1 - purchased goods and services, which together create the majority of the company's total scope 3 emissions. By leveraging both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study evaluates current emission levels and explores potential strategies for carbon mitigation in the aviation sector, specifically for GKN Aerospace. Utilising the GHG Protocol methodology, the study found that in 2023, total CO2 emissions from civil aircraft using GKN Aerospace components were 771.9 MTCO2eq, with GKN Aerospace Engine System's contribution being 28.51 MTCO2eq. For the purchased goods and services category, the project employs mass-based and spend-based estimation methods, with a primary reliance on the mass-based method due to its accuracy. Category 1 emissions from GKN Aerospace Sweden AB for 2023 are 0.012 MTCO2eq. The thesis also examines the impact of additive manufacturing on reducing procurement-related emissions. By 2035, it is expected that 22% of production will be adapted by additive manufacturing at GKN Aerospace Sweden AB, potentially reducing emissions from the purchased goods and services category by up to 18% compared to traditional methods. The thesis concludes by emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts within the aviation industry to combat climate change and develop comprehensive CO2 reduction strategies for GKN Aerospace. It recommends future research to focus on expanding the scope of emissions assessments to include multiple sites and sectors within GKN Aerospace, investigating the long-term impacts of modern technologies, and examining the lifecycle emissions of new materials. The findings aim to support GKN Aerospace's commitment to sustainability and contribute valuable insights into the complexities of achieving a more sustainable aviation industry.