Although carbon footprint has historically been a low priority for the defense industry, a global shift towards greener manufacturing is pushing the industry towards modifying its manufacturing style. Military readiness has been adversely affected by climate change, particularly severe weather events, and recovery costs have risen.
Sustainability in the A&D Industry
Defense companies will be increasingly encouraged to adopt sustainable practices due to rising costs associated with carbon emissions, regulatory compliance, public and investor pressure, and supply chain responsibility. The challenge is integrating climate change and energy transition considerations while enhancing defense effectiveness amid conflict.
Challenges and Sustainable Solutions
As the effects of climate change increasingly impact every facet of society, they also increase the risk on the battlefield, from severe weather events impacting logistics to increasing temperature and humidity effects on the functionality of systems and missions.
Energy Efficiency
Energy resilience and efficiency will be key drivers in the defense industry adopting more sustainable manufacturing methods. A sustainable manufacturing method will rely on energy-efficient lighting and power systems, renewable energy sources, and energy storage capabilities For the North American defense industry, using domestic supply sources reduces both transportation costs and supply chain risks.
Green Materials and Processes
Reforming the defense manufacturing system will require replacing traditional materials with more sustainable alternatives, such as composites and recycled materials.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on developing electric and hybrid propulsion technology for aircraft and vehicles to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Water conservation in semiconductor manufacturing and recycling will also play a major role in adopting greener manufacturing initiatives for the defense industry. However, regulations limiting where recycled materials can be used have some limitations.
Low-Impact Manufacturing Processes
Implementing lower-impact manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing or additive manufacturing, which reduce material waste and energy consumption, will also be key.
AI for Sustainable Defense
AI’s role in defense is increasing, bringing both opportunities and concerns. AI allows for more proactive defense strategies and more efficient resource allocation by analyzing large amounts of data. By optimizing materials and resource flow, reducing error, and predicting equipment failures and maintenance requirements, AI can improve defense manufacturing processes.
Additionally, AI can identify disruptions, provide trend predictions, and optimize inventory levels, enabling manufacturers to reduce waste and ensure more timely deliveries, resulting in a more responsive and resilient supply chain. However, with the use of AI comes the risk of embedded biases, the enhanced risk of cyberattacks, and ethical concerns.
Compliance and Standards: A Roadmap to Sustainability
A&D products and services will continue to be in demand in 2024 and beyond as military modernization is a top priority. As raw materials sourcing becomes increasingly difficult, replacing them becomes a higher priority for A&D supply chains, but the process of meeting industry standards and requirements can be lengthy and complicated.
In the coming year, with the goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and staying ahead of upcoming emission regulations, it is expected that A&D companies will focus on developing environmentally friendly propulsion alternatives. Additionally, A&D companies are aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses, water waste, and energy use to make progress towards 2030 sustainability goals.
The Future of Sustainable Defense
In the near future , the demand for sustainable technologies and zero-emission aviation is likely to accelerate the development of electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and solar-powered technologies. Additionally, aircraft and engines are expected to undergo significant redesigns, using lighter components, reducing fuel consumption, and also improving the overall strength of aircraft.
Supersonic aircraft are also being developed by A&D manufacturers, but they are still at an early stage of development. Additionally, the industry is responding to a growing demand for offensive and defensive hypersonic technology, for which the US Department of Defense (DOD) and NASA have allocated budgets.
As a result of climate change and regulatory pressure, the defense industry faces significant challenges in adopting sustainable practices. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and innovative technologies like 3D printing and AI can enhance resilience and operational effectiveness. In order to meet future sustainability goals, the industry must navigate complex compliance standards and evolve its manufacturing processes.
Cevians Role in Sustainability
At Cevians, our mission is to create novel and socially responsible solutions that will benefit our planet for generations to come. Sustainability is embedded in our core values as we create new products using energy-efficient manufacturing processes, raw materials and advanced technologies.
Cevians’ sustainable practices include using renewable energy sources, greener polymers, raw materials and waste recycling. In addition, our LED lighting solutions provide lower energy consumption to defense customers throughout the free world.
Preserving our planet for future generations is a guiding principle at Cevians. From 3D-printed prototypes to energy-efficient lighting solutions, Cevians sustainable solutions protect our armed services, country, and world.
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