Rolls-Royce division Power Systems, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is a global leader in innovative power and propulsion solutions. The company’s mtu-brand portfolio includes high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail, and defense vehicles, as well as for the oil and gas industry. It also offers diesel and gas systems, battery containers, and solutions for mission-critical, standby, and continuous power, combined heat and power generation, and microgrids. With its climate-friendly technologies and commitment to driving the energy transition, Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division combines cutting-edge innovation with a vision for a sustainable future.

To advance sustainability and set new industry benchmarks, Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division collaborated with Sphera’s Sustainability Consulting to develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the mtu 16V4000 DS2500 and 10V1600 DS500 generator sets. Supported by Sphera’s experts, Rolls-Royce is one of the first engine manufacturers to develop externally verified EPDs for emergency power generators and publish them on the International EPD® System (Environdec).

Highlights

One of the first engine OEMs to publish EPDs for emergency power generators.

ISO-compliant, critically reviewed LCA reports and certified EPDs.

Standardized LCA and EPD methodologies for Rolls-Royce’s products.

Advanced knowledge of LCA and EPD methodologies and tools.

Challenges

1. Communicating credibly to clients about the environmental credentials of Rolls-Royce’s products.

2. Assessing the sustainability performance of complex products.

3. Establishing standardized assessment methodologies to ensure comparability and transparency.

4. Building internal LCA capacity and knowledge.

Using Sphera’s LCA For Experts and LCA BOM Import software, Sphera’s experts supported Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division in creating two EPDs for the mtu 16V4000 DS2500 and mtu 10V1600 DS500 generator sets. The EPDs were developed in compliance with ISO 14025 and EN 50693 standards, independently verified, and published on the International EPD® System, making Rolls-Royce one of the first engine OEMs to achieve this milestone.

Results

The collaboration with Sphera enabled Rolls-Royce to produce robust and credible environmental impact results for their products by basing the assessments on real production and operational data from Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division’s manufacturing sites and suppliers. The entire life cycle of the systems was taken into account – from raw material extraction to end-of-life. This partnership also supported Rolls-Royce’s long-term sustainability goals by integrating eco-design principles into product development and setting a new industry benchmark for environmental transparency.

“By providing their expertise and guidance, Sphera’s consultants supported us in establishing standardized LCA and EPD processes to communicate the environmental performance of our products to the public and our customers. Sphera is currently working with us to develop the Rolls-Royce EPD guideline, which will enable us to create publicly available EPDs for our products.”

— Dr. Daniel Chatterjee, Executive Expert Sustainability & Technology, Chief of Technology Rolls-Royce Power Systems

What made this happen?

Sphera’s 30+ years of sustainability consulting expertise, combined with extensive project experience with industry leaders, laid the foundation for this success. This unique blend of expertise, advanced LCA software, and comprehensive data empowered Rolls-Royce to credibly communicate the sustainability of their products through third-party verified EPDs.

Product Sustainability Consulting

Collaborate with Sphera’s experts to measure, manage, and confidently communicate your products’ sustainability performance through LCAs, PCFs, and EPDs. Our consultants utilize industry-specific data and leading software tools to help you reduce environmental impacts, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. Learn more

LCA for Experts Software

Assess the environmental impacts of products, processes and services throughout their entire life cycle with LCA software built on the world’s most robust LCA database. Learn more

LCA BOM Import

An add-on tool for users of LCA for Experts to semi-automate the creation of LCAs. Learn more

About Rolls-Royce division Power Systems

Founded: 1909

Headquarters: Friedrichshafen, Germany

Revenue: €5 billion (2024)

Employees: >10,500

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