IAEG White Paper and Supplemental Scope 3 Emissions Accounting Guidance the Use-Phase of Space chevron right

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The International Aerospace Environmental Group (IAEG) announces the release of a white paper and supplemental Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting guidance focused on calculating the use-phase emissions for space-related products. Leading manufacturers of spacecraft and launch vehicles have collaborated to develop a technical document that provides discussion on and calculation methodologies to account for the complex and non-traditional use-phase emissions of space products. This document is intended to equip suppliers, manufacturers, and customers with a transparent and auditable method for calculating use-phase emission for spacecraft, launch vehicles, and relevant intermediate products to support voluntary and mandatory disclosures throughout the international regulatory environment.

"Space products present unique challenges for emissions accounting," said Lindsey Bean, Lead for IAEG's Work Group 3 Space team. "These products often use high volumes of non-traditional fuel mixes and operate under distinct use-phase conditions. Couple that with low production volumes and distinct product configurations, and you've got a recipe for some complex accounting." Lindsey goes on to say that; "by providing the tailored methodologies in this white paper, we are offering reporting companies a robust approach for determining the use-phase emissions of spacecraft and launch vehicles. This is a step that is pivotal not just for regulatory compliance, but to provide consistency in how manufacturers account for the lifecycle emissions of a unique subset of products within aerospace and defense industry."

The guidance set forth in the white paper delineates a standard approach to categorizing Scope 3 emissions associated with the use phase of space-related products. It provides detailed recommendations on data inputs and considerations; calculation methodologies for manufacturers and customers within the value chain; as well as illustrative examples to support practical implementation of the guidance. It is important to note that the scope of this guidance focuses solely on the emissions from the space product and launch vehicle use phases and does not include ground-based activities such as mission control or data management as those emissions. Lindsey says that "while it is understood that ground-based operations contribute to the life-cycle emissions of space-product, the calculation methodology for these operations are well established and do not bear repeating in this guidance." She goes on to say that this document is meant to cover a specific subset of scenarios and that reporting companies should use it in concert with other methodologies to ensure full accounting of a product's lifecycle.

IAEG's Work Group 3 is tasked with developing tools, resources, and best practices to support the aerospace and defense sector with Scope 3 GHG accounting challenges. Its members include leading manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers who collaborate to promote transparency, innovation, and sustainable growth in aerospace and defense activities.

For more information and access to the white paper and Scope 3 guidance, please visit https://www.iaeg.com/workgroups/wg3.

IAEG® (www.iaeg.com) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among global aerospace and defense companies to develop innovative environmental solutions. The group is committed to promoting voluntary consensus standards and providing accessible solutions for critical environmental challenges. For further information about IAEG and its initiatives, please contact Kathleen Oldham, IAEG Communications Officer, at [email protected]

To learn more about IAEG, visit the IAEG website at www.iaeg.com.