The climate change and the progressive rise in the Planet's average temperature make decarbonisation not only a challenge, but a primary objective for the Aerospace, Defence and Security sector as well.

Causes and effects of climate change are illustrated in the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, which explains the multiple and, in many cases, already evident consequences of climate change for the environment and human activities.

The drivers of sustainability

The first step in defining a decarbonisation strategy is to measure its own carbon footprint along the entire value chain, through data collection and calculation of related emissions.

The international standard that suggests guidelines and methods for calculating an organisation's GHG (Greenhouse Gases) emissions is the GHG Protocol. This protocol categorises the emissions of companies and organisations into three categories:

For Leonardo, emissions from the supply chain have a very significant impact, accounting for about 42% of total emissions. It is therefore essential to set targets in this area and to involve suppliers in the implementation of the Group’s decarbonisation strategy.

Leonardo's Carbon Footprint 2023

To demonstrate the solidity of its commitments, Leonardo developed decarbonisation targets based on the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) methodology. SBTi is a global initiative that promotes the adoption of decarbonisation targets consistent with the IPCC's indications to contain global average temperature rise within +1.5°C.

The new targets therefore aim not only to reduce our internal emissions, but also to reduce emissions outside Leonardo's business perimeter, so-called Scope 3 emissions, through collaboration with suppliers and by decreasing the impact due to customers' use of our products.
A decarbonization commitment integrated with the 2025-2029 Business Plan, which translates the Group's sustainability vision and targets into specific initiatives and projects.
 

New decarbonisation targets

Target dashboard - Science Based Targets Initiative

To achieve the supply chain decarbonisation goals, it will be essential to set up ever-closer forms of collaboration with suppliers, such as medium- to long-term partnerships, to develop new competencies, and to define and implement a plan of actions to be monitored regularly, articulated on three levels:

It will be crucial to approach this challenge now with a proactive and concrete approach, setting out a plan of progressive actions over time, to be shared and monitored regularly, to ensure that the 2028 targets are met.

Leonardo will be at its suppliers' side, supporting small and medium-sized companies along the way, offering tools to develop the necessary skills and enhancing the commitment and results of suppliers in the new business assignment phase.