Sustainability in action through Sustainability Plan's goals

Integrity and following the rule of law are the principles guiding Leonardo’s relations with all stakeholders. They are the foundation of a responsible business model based on the principle of transparency, which the Group has strengthened over time with a system of rules, codes and control processes. This integrated system aims to prevent, identify and deal with potential risks in management of the business, from anti-corruption to human rights.

Innovation, a central element in Leonardo’s business, plays a key role in contributing to the long-term wellbeing of people and the planet. Guiding technological progress is at the heart of Leonardo’s sustainability project for society, so the company invests in disruptive technology and steers technological development towards achieving the SDGs. For this reason, digitalisation is one of the pillars of the Sustainability Plan and cuts across all areas.

Technological development and digitalisation (as the main drivers to reduce the impact of operations and to develop new products and services) represent Leonardo’s strategy to increase the pace of decarbonisation and to reduce the environmental impact of the Group and its supply chain. This strategy is reinforced by Leonardo’s participation in European research projects (such as Clean Sky 2, the upcoming CLEAN AVIATION, SESAR 2020) and by collaborating with suppliers, partners and institutions. 

A collaborative approach is also the basis for the circular economy model that Leonardo is developing, a model that will be extended to the entire value chain. Reuse and recycle, share and dematerialise, extend useful life and optimise processes: these are the key elements of the model that must be introduced into processes across the various operating areas, such as production, logistics and services.

Aiming for excellence in the supply chain to create a more innovative, integrated and resilient ecosystem is a crucial factor for Leonardo to be more competitive. Specific attention is focused on SMEs, which are a feature of the industrial landscape and form part of the company’s 11,000-strong supply chain to which Leonardo delivers dedicated initiatives focused on digital transformation, cyber and security, and social and environmental responsibility. They create a significant impact in terms of industrialisation, employment and the overall value of the entire supply chain.

Promoting ‘scientific citizenship’ – the sharing of knowledge, technological skills and innovation with the communities in which Leonardo operates – and the commitment to achieve an inclusive scientific culture are elements at the core of Leonardo’s strategy. They are also closely linked to its role as a leading company in innovation.

The Group supports the promotion of STEM disciplines (Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics), starting from schools and facilitating access to professions in those sectors (with special focus on opportunities for female students). It does so through training and guidance-related interventions and by providing support to the education sector, to universities and to research centres.

Space is a strategic domain for Earth’s sustainable development and for the security of citizens: space infrastructure and technologies are a vital factor in achieving the SDGs. Through its subsidiaries, Leonardo is a leader in international programmes for the construction of satellites (Thales Alenia Space), sensors and equipment, and for the acquisition of data and the development of linked applications and services (Telespazio and e-GEOS). Combining information from diverse sources (satellites, sensors) with technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High Performance Computing (HPC) systems enables the development of services and solutions that make a tangible contribution to improving the state of the planet and the lives of citizens. They include the monitoring of infrastructure, artistic and environmental heritage, the development of precision agriculture for food security and the fight against climate change, through to prevention and intervention in emergencies and natural disasters.