Rolls-Royce and the environment

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At a glance

The environmental challenge and how
Rolls-Royce can help:

Rolls-Royce is committed to making an effective response to the problem of climate change and other environmental concerns.
We will contribute our knowledge and technology to help society arrive at solutions.
We are active in 50 countries and the global nature of our business means that we can bring an international perspective to the issues.

In summary

Rolls-Royce is committed to helping society address the problem of climate change.
We have a proven track record with our products and our own operations.
We are committed to a strategy of continuous improvement.
We are investing in advanced technologies and programmes.
We are determined to be part of the solution to the environmental challenge.

More information

Aviation emissions account for about two per cent of man-made carbon dioxide (CO₂). Aviation's impact on the environment is increasing and there are also issues surrounding the effect of emissions at altitude.
The industry's fuel consumption rate per passenger kilometre has reduced dramatically over the past 50 years but more must be done.
We are in the forefront of developing engines that will meet new and demanding targets for reducing aviation's environmental impact.

Emissions from ships account for less than three per cent of man-made CO₂. Ships can also produce significant emissions of oxides of sulphur (SOx) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
We will use our expertise to deliver environmental improvements in ship propulsion systems.

The need to curb emissions and noise are increasingly important factors in the design of defence products and we are using civil technologies to develop solutions.

Electrical power generation and the provision of heat account for over 30 per cent of man-made CO₂.
We have developed new high efficiency gas turbines with low emissions.
We are developing exciting new technologies such as fuel cells which can provide power with very low emissions.
We are also investigating renewable energy technologies such as tidal stream power systems.

Rolls-Royce has a strong track record of improving the environmental efficiency of its manufacturing facilities.
Our turnover has increased significantly since 1998 but greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 30 per cent. We are determined to do more.

Each year Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with its partners, invests around £700 million in Research and Development, two-thirds of which has the objective of reducing the environmental impact of our products.
Our research network is global, drawing on the talents of leading universities and research centres.

Our technology programmes stretch out over the next five, ten and 20 years and are focusing on developing more efficient power systems.
We are using our knowledge to explore entirely new technologies for responding to climate change.