Public policy

We represent our views to government and others on matters affecting our business interests. Involvement in industry bodies such as the Confederation of British Industry and the Sustainable Aviation Council provides an opportunity for the company to share its views with public policy makers. The company also engages directly with governments in response to consultation papers, requests for information and taking part in the wider public-policy debate.

Peter Morgan, Director of Corporate Affairs, is a member of the UK CBI Climate Change Board, which was set up in 2008 to bring together UK industry across all sectors to help incorporate climate change policies into the DNA of business by developing “greener” products and services as well as improve energy efficiency, recognising the importance of engaging employees and the supply chain to support these aims. The CBI climate-change board has also been working with the UK government to coordinate and manage the implementation of emissions saving projects and to improve the effectiveness of spending on research, development and deployment of new technologies. A particular emphasis has been discussions on a suitable low-carbon strategy that will ensure both security of supply of energy as well as the development of low-emissions and renewable sources of power that will be sustainable in the long term.

We are taking a leading role with industry trade bodies, business sectors and regulators on implementation of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals), the latest EU regulation on chemicals management. Recent efforts have focused on raising awareness across industry so that appropriate arrangements for compliance and business continuity are introduced well ahead of regulatory deadlines. This work also involves working closely with regulators to both facilitate interpretation and implementation as well as more effective regulation.

Within the political arena of Washington, D.C. the Rolls-Royce North America Government Relations team leverages direct access to a wide variety of stakeholder communities – including the Congressional and Executive Branches, Government Embassies and direct interface with numerous industry stakeholders, think-tanks and associations - ultimately to ensure that Rolls-Royce’s business interests are represented and protected.

From an advocacy stand point, Rolls-Royce remains engaged in U.S. legislative and regulatory developments related to Climate Change. Additionally Rolls-Royce is an active member of the Aerospace Industries Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association both of whom collectively advocate on environmental issues and for the accelerated development and deployment of energy efficiency technologies, programs and operations which aim to deliver substantial environmental benefits, such as the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen program.

From an operational and technology perspective Rolls-Royce continues to work closely with end-user Customers, research laboratories and federal agencies to develop energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. An example of this is the recent award Rolls-Royce received for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise technologies program where Rolls-Royce will perform aero engine test demonstrations specifically focused on reduced fuel burn technologies and evaluating alternative aviation fuels.

Rolls-Royce is a founder member of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), which at a global level brings together all sectors of the air transport industry. ATAG works to promote aviation’s sustainable growth for the benefit of our global society.

Rolls-Royce technical specialists contribute towards the development of the international regulation of aircraft emissions through the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), a committee of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Our specialists may also become involved with noise and emissions issues for States on such subjects as airport and fleet expansion.

The World Economic Forum provides an opportunity for global leaders to engage in partnerships to improve the state of the world. Rolls-Royce has been involved in initiatives that have provided recommendations to the G8, G20 and the United Nations on topics such as climate change and low-carbon economic growth.

Rolls-Royce does not corporately participate in party politics or make political donations. Moreover, we do not seek to influence government officials, departments or agencies through the provision of gifts, hospitality or other inappropriate means.