Act for the environment
Press kit: Safran tackles the climate challenge
Decarbonize aeronautics
Safran’s climate strategy is part of the aviation sector’s ambition to transition to net zero CO2 emissions for global civil aviation by 2050. An ambitious objective, which in 2021 saw Safran make a joint commitment with all stakeholders of the aviation sector, as part of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).
Safran implements its strategy with two aims in mind:
- reduce CO2 emissions associated with its operations, including those of its suppliers
- reduce CO2 emissions associated with the use of the products it sells.
Decarbonize our production
Since 2018, Safran has implemented a plan to reduce emissions from its production processes. This reduction plan impacts on all activities that are directly or indirectly involved in the manufacture of Group products. In 2021, Safran set itself an objective of a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2025 compared to 2018, and a 50% reduction by 2030. To achieve these objectives, Safran has adopted three key measures:
- Reduce energy consumption
- Replace natural gas
- Increase the use of renewable energies.
Safran is also encouraging its suppliers to adopt this approach.
An ambitious technology roadmap to decarbonize our products
For Safran, the main challenge lies in reducing the CO2 emissions associated with the use of its products. Safran therefore devotes major efforts to Research & Technology, with the aim of allocating at least 75% of its internally-financed R&T investment each year to reducing the environmental impact of its products. This takes the form of an ambitious technology roadmap.
Alongside fleet renewals (progressive replacement of A320ceo by A320neo models and Boeing 737 by 737 Max, for example) and the progressive incorporation of sustainable aviation fuels, which contribute to the 2035 emissions reduction target, the reduction of scope 3 emissions associated with the use of products sold is dependent on three key factors: pursuing the improvement in fleet energy efficiency by preparing technologies for the development of new ultra-efficient aircraft; developing all electrical propulsion technologies and onboard systems; making it possible to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Towards an ultra-efficient aircraft
Safran is focusing on the development of technologies that will enable significant reductions in energy consumption in the use of its products. Tangible results include the development of RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines), a technology program led by Safran and GE Aerospace, to provide the foundation for the next generation of engines for short- and medium-range aircraft. Safran’s aim is to develop disruptive technology in terms of fuel consumption, by presenting an engine that consumes over 20% less than the LEAP engine (which itself was 15% to 20% more efficient than its predecessor the CFM56 engine). The engines and equipment developed under the RISE program will also be compatible with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Develop all electrical propulsion technologies and onboard systems
Safran has carved out a leadership role in hybrid or all-electric architectures through its expertise across the whole aircraft energy chain. The Group works closely with other players such as Aura Aero, Archer, Voltaero and Electra for electric motors. A significant milestone was achieved in 2024 with the end of the certification work for the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor, which received its EASA type certification in early 2025.
Make it possible to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
Decarbonization of the aviation sector will require the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels. Current engines are certified to enable the incorporation of up to 50% of SAF. As an engine builder and fuel system equipment manufacturer, Safran has joined forces with partners to overcome all technical obstacles it faces and enable the current and future generations of aircraft engines to use up to 100% of sustainable aviation fuels.
Furthermore, Safran actively supports the development of a sustainable aviation fuel production sector. The Group contributes to the European Renewable and Low Carbon Fuels (RLCF) Alliance to drive the emergence of the European sustainable aviation fuel sector.
Decarbonization targets validated by SBTi
In 2023, Safran’s greenhouse gas reduction targets were independently approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), addressing direct emissions (scope 1) and indirect emissions resulting from energy consumption by Group activities (scope 2), as well as emissions directly and indirectly associated with the use of its products (scope 3), as being aligned with the climate change scenarios indicated for each objective.
Safran’s goals are the following:
- Safran commits to reduce its absolute scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline.
- Safran also commits to reduce the scope 3 GHG emissions from the use of sold products on the aviation propulsion segment, by 42.5% per seat-mile by 2035 from a 2018 baseline.
Safran further commits to reduce scope 3 indirect use-phase emissions (associated with aircraft equipment and interiors) by 42.5% per seat-mile by 2035 in relation to the 2018 baseline.
Respect the environment and natural resources
The transition to sustainable aviation is a priority for Safran. In its environmental dimension, the aim is to develop its activity without harming the capacity of natural resources to renew or the appropriate existence of ecosystems. With a desire to be exemplary in its development and production methods, as well as across the whole value chain, Safran pays close attention to assessing and reducing the environmental impact of the Group’s product and services. This commitment is part of its sustainable development approach.
The management of hazardous substances and their replacement are fundamental factors for Safran. The Group ensures scrupulous compliance with regulations and uses a dedicated organizational structure. Safran observes the requirements of the REACh regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), an EU regulation that aims to protect humans and the environment from the risks of chemical substances and POP (Persistent Organic Pollutants), and which also aims to enhance the protection of human and environmental health against the risks posed by chemical substances.
Promote the circular economy
Safran is committed to promoting the integration of circular economy practices in all life cycle phases of its products. The aim is to redesign its procurement of raw materials, to update purchase agreements, to promote the circular use of products and thereby play an active role in the transition to a circular economy. By joining forces with stakeholders, suppliers and customers, the Group is striving to create a sustainable business model that is environmentally sound and economically viable. To this end, in 2023 Safran created a Circular Economy department within the Group Sustainable Development division, which itself is led by an Executive Committee member to ensure that sustainability issues are considered at the highest decision-making level of the Group.
The main action implemented in terms of circular economy is the recovery of titanium shavings and waste at the Group’s main production plants and those of its suppliers, and their reuse by materials producers. The 2024 target for shavings recovery was set at 950 tonnes based on the order book of the three Group companies that consume the highest quantities of this material. The target was reached, with 1,050 tonnes of shavings recovered.
- Maps are available under the Open Database Licence.
- © OpenStreetMap contributors.
- © Adrien Daste / Safran
- © Benoit Vallet / Safran
- © Safran
- © Alex Ojeda / CAPA Pictures / Safran
- © Cyril Abad / CAPA Pictures / Safran