Boeing’s Procurement Marks Aerospace Sustainability Progress

Boeing, a leading global aerospace company, has released its 2024 Sustainability and Social Impact Report, which shows significant progress in sustainable aerospace procurement. 

The report shows the company has increased its renewable electricity procurement by 16%, boosting its total renewable electricity procurement to 39%. 

The news comes as aerospace manufacturers shift to sustainable production in anticipation of regulatory reforms. 

These reforms could be driven by the REACH initiative, which aims to ban the use of hexavalent chrome in aerospace applications. 

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a regulatory framework for tracking, testing, and reporting on chemicals used in the EU. 

The regulations work hand in hand with sustainability efforts, and companies like Boeing aim to be ahead of any legislative change. 

Boeing achieves net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions

In its report, Boeing revealed it has achieved net-zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions across its manufacturing sites for the fourth consecutive year. 

It met this goal through the expansion of renewable energy procurement as well as some third-party greenhouse gas emission offsetting. 

The company’s decarbonisation strategy prioritises reducing direct emissions through efficiency improvements, conservation and renewable energy procurement. 

However, the third party verified offsets were used in 2023 to mitigate the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions Boeing could not first avoid, reduce or replace. 

The report also reiterates the company’s commitment to “supporting the commercial aviation industry’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050, by making strides in reducing our carbon footprint,” David Calhoun, Boeing’s CEO says.

“Each decision we make has a bearing on the future health of our planet, and we take the responsibility to come up with innovative solutions seriously,” David continues. 

Local suppliers key to Boeing's sustainability

The report highlights the sustainability of Boeing’s procurement practices, including that 89% of its suppliers are local to its operations- minimising its carbon footprint. 

One of these suppliers is the ASG Group, which is making significant strides in decarbonising aerospace manufacturing. 

The Group also supplies Airbus, Gardner Aerospace and Rolls Royce, and is spearheading initiatives across its subsidiaries. 

"ASG Group's commitment to decarbonising aerospace manufacturing is evident in our strategic investments and collaborative projects. From partnering with local councils to investing in renewable energy and innovative processes, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and leading the industry towards a sustainable future,” says Group Managing Director Simon Weston. 

Similar sustainability efforts are seen across Boeing’s suppliers, including its inaugural supplier for SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), EPIC, which was awarded 2023 Supplier of the Year in Sustainability.

“EPIC is an invaluable partner to increase our use of SAF and our visibility as a leader in the commercial aviation industry,” says Amy Beck, a Supply Chain and Procurement Agent.

Supplier Code of Conduct ensures prioritisation of ESG considerations 

The report also details the Boeing Supplier Code of Conduct, which establishes clear sustainability expectations for its suppliers. 

Its procurement practices are also rooted in these fair supplier relationships and are only approved by designated procurement agents when they are satisfied with their sustainability goals. 

For Boeing, supply chain sustainability also encompasses ESG considerations such as its raw materials circular economy construct. 

It is also working with suppliers to develop product-level environmental innovations and is committed to sourcing diverse suppliers to ensure the company can address any human rights risks.

Boeing has also implemented a sustainability category in its Supplier of the Year program. 

"We're honoured to share the steady progress we've made on sustainability, which will always be anchored in safety and quality," says Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Brian Moran.

"As we recommit to these fundamental values, it is energising to see our company's focus on helping our industry decarbonize while uplifting our communities and driving a culture of inclusion where everyone's voice is heard."​​​​​​​

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