DLR greenhouse gas balance for 2023
For the 2023 reporting year, DLR has applied the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol for the first time.
On track for greenhouse gas neutrality with a new standard
There are a wide range of activities at DLR that illustrate the 2023 greenhouse gas balance
Example one: a hydrogen-powered vehicle from the DLR research fleet at the Oldenburg site.
Example two: environmentally compatible air mobility
The D328® UpLift during tests with synthetic, aromatic-free Power-to-Liquid (PtL) proxy fuel.
- For the 2023 reporting year, DLR has applied the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol for the first time.
- By sourcing electricity from renewable energy sources, more than 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents were saved – according to the market-based accounting method.
- Implementation of the GHG Protocol reveals particular areas for improvement, including optimising data quality for specific consumption figures.
- Focus: Sustainability, energy
The latest analysis of the German Aerospace Center's (Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) greenhouse gas emissions is now available. For the first time, the 2023 reporting year sees DLR applying the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, a globally recognised standard for calculating greenhouse gas balances. By introducing this standard, DLR is continuing to develop into a more sustainably operating organisation. The standard is also an important part of implementing the DLR Sustainability Strategy. With deeper insights into the three emission categories – known as scopes, divided into direct, indirect and other indirect (value-chain) emissions – DLR can identify and implement measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in an even more targeted manner, bringing it closer to its goal of achieving greenhouse gas neutrality by 2035.
The GHG Protocol
The protocol requires organisations to record the greenhouse gases regulated under the Kyoto Protocol, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride. Scope 1 includes all direct emissions, meaning those originating from sources within the organisation's own boundaries. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions resulting from the generation of electricity, steam, heat and cooling that are produced outside of the organisation and then purchased. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions from the organisation's value chain, such as those from the production and transport of purchased goods, waste disposal, employee commuting and emissions from business trips.
Market- and location-based methods for purchased electricity
According to the GHG Protocol, greenhouse gas emissions from purchased electricity must always be reported using the location-based method. This approach ensures the physical impact of an organisation's operations can be presented independently of market influences. In contrast, the market-based method offers a more specific perspective, allowing the measures of a sustainability strategy to be taken into account, such as the purchase of energy from renewable sources.
DLR already obtains electricity from renewable sources for the majority of its sites and will continue to expand its own power generation step by step. According to the balance sheet, a location-based emissions value of 27,909 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents was calculated for DLR as a whole. According to the market-based method, 25,259 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents were saved by purchasing electricity from renewable energy sources. As a result, net emissions from electricity consumption remained roughly the same compared to 2022.
DLR's greenhouse gas balance for 2023
Credit:
Brief explanation of the calculation basis
- *25,259 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents were saved in 2023 by purchasing electricity predominantly from renewable energy sources. Exceptions: DLR sites in Stade, Lampoldshausen and Stuttgart, as well as leased space.
- **Excluding the subcategories of business travel and staff commuting in Scope 3.
- ***Rail travel: passenger kilometres on Deutsche Bahn (local and long-distance), offset as part of the bahn.business scheme (source: DLR Travel Management).
Miscellaneous:
- Petrol and diesel: consumption from vehicle fleet and onsite fire brigade.
- Kerosene: consumption from research fleet. Experimental fuels (natural gas, propane, etc.) for Cologne, Lampoldshausen and Stuttgart.
- Heating oil, gas, district heating, district cooling: internal consumption not adjusted for weather (source: certified energy management).
- Local and long-distance public transport, cars/e-cars, motorbikes/e-scooters, e-bikes (source: DLR mobility survey and car rental providers).
Conversion according to GHG/DEFRA 2023 or UBA, BAFA (see links below).
Emissions from business trips
Similar to the 2022 greenhouse gas balance, Scope 3 emissions related to employee commuting and business travel were also recorded for 2023. The key difference compared to the 2022 balance is that the corresponding greenhouse gas emissions from business travel are now disclosed, as compensation payments cannot be credited to the organisation’s own balance under the GHG Protocol.
Improved data quality for greater sustainability
The first application of the GHG Protocol has shown that DLR has already established a solid data foundation with its previous greenhouse gas balances. However, engaging with the requirements of the GHG Protocol has also revealed particular areas for improvement, such as optimising the data quality of specific consumptions. DLR is committed to addressing these areas in the coming years to ensure a more integrated accounting system can be developed, on the basis of which efficient emissions reduction measures can be introduced.
Related links
Contact
Michael Müller
Editor
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Corporate Communications
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne
Tel: +49 2203 601-3717
Philipp Bergeron
Sustainability Officer and team leader
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Sustainability
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne