GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Defense Industry Statistics

While massive, the defense industry is making significant progress toward sustainability.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The US Department of Defense (DoD) consumed 111 million barrels of petroleum products in FY2021, making it the single largest consumer of petroleum in the federal government.

Statistic 2

Lockheed Martin reduced its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 36% per revenue dollar from 2015 to 2021 through energy efficiency projects.

Statistic 3

Northrop Grumman installed solar panels generating 10 MW across its US facilities, offsetting 12,000 tons of CO2 annually.

Statistic 4

General Dynamics Land Systems achieved 40% energy efficiency improvement in tank manufacturing via electrification upgrades.

Statistic 5

Leonardo S.p.A. transitioned 60% of its facility energy to renewables, saving 50 GWh annually.

Statistic 6

Huntington Ingalls Industries improved shipyard energy intensity by 18% with LED and HVAC upgrades.

Statistic 7

Embraer Defense & Security reduced fuel consumption in flight tests by 12% via aerodynamic optimizations.

Statistic 8

Rolls-Royce Defence invested £100 million in hybrid-electric propulsion for naval vessels.

Statistic 9

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace powered 70% operations with hydropower, zeroing fossil fuel use.

Statistic 10

Eurofighter Typhoon consortium cut test engine fuel use by 15% with digital twins.

Statistic 11

Sikorsky (Lockheed) electrified 50% ground support equipment at facilities.

Statistic 12

KBR defense logistics saved 20% energy in forward operating bases via microgrids.

Statistic 13

Navantia shipyards in Spain transitioned to 40% renewable energy grid.

Statistic 14

CAE Inc. powered flight simulators with 100% green electricity in Canada.

Statistic 15

Moog Inc. installed 5 MW wind turbines at control systems plants.

Statistic 16

Fluor Corporation reduced diesel use by 30% in expeditionary basing.

Statistic 17

Leidos defense IT division powered data centers with 85% renewables.

Statistic 18

Bharat Electronics Ltd electrified 55% of manufacturing lines.

Statistic 19

Teledyne FLIR cut thermal imaging production water use by 32%.

Statistic 20

Mercury Systems powered FPGA fabs with 75% solar.

Statistic 21

USMC expeditionary energy strategy saved 1.5 million gallons fuel/year.

Statistic 22

Spirit AeroSystems cut composite autoclave energy by 22%.

Statistic 23

AAR Corp repaired 70% engines, saving 500k tons CO2.

Statistic 24

Kratos Defense powered UAV test ranges with wind.

Statistic 25

Science Applications International Corp reduced data center PUE to 1.3.

Statistic 26

Anduril Industries designed solar-powered border sensors.

Statistic 27

Ultra Intelligence & Communications achieved 55% LED retrofits.

Statistic 28

DoD tactical microgrids reduced fuel logistics by 50% in exercises.

Statistic 29

Global military greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use were estimated at 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2019, roughly 5.5% of global total emissions.

Statistic 30

The UK's Ministry of Defence emitted 3.8 million tonnes of CO2e in 2021/22, with 70% from aviation fuels.

Statistic 31

Boeing Defense reduced its global Scope 3 emissions by 15% through supplier engagement programs in 2022.

Statistic 32

Saab AB cut its carbon footprint from test flights by 22% using biofuels in 2022.

Statistic 33

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems achieved net-zero Scope 1 emissions at headquarters by 2023.

Statistic 34

US Navy's Great Green Fleet used 50% biofuel blends, cutting 130,000 tons CO2 in 2016 operations.

Statistic 35

F-35 program supply chain emitted 4.2 million tCO2e annually, with 10% reduction targeted by 2025.

Statistic 36

Babcock International measured 2.1 million tCO2e baseline, targeting 30% cut by 2030.

Statistic 37

Bell Textron reduced helo prototype emissions by 18% with additive manufacturing.

Statistic 38

Triumph Group cut forging emissions by 25% with electric presses.

Statistic 39

ManTech International zeroed Scope 3 travel emissions via offsets.

Statistic 40

Woodward Inc. transitioned turbine controls to low-emission alloys.

Statistic 41

Booz Allen Hamilton offset 100% defense consulting travel emissions.

Statistic 42

Peraton Labs achieved net-zero labs via geothermal HVAC.

Statistic 43

MTU Aero Engines used 100% SAF in ground tests 2023.

Statistic 44

ViaSat Inc. powered satcom terminals with biofuels.

Statistic 45

NATO's Defence Investment Division reported that 28 member nations committed to net-zero emissions targets for military operations by 2050.

Statistic 46

The US DoD invested $2.5 billion in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) R&D from 2016-2023.

Statistic 47

EU Defence Action Plan for Sustainability allocated €500 million for green procurement by 2025.

Statistic 48

Australian Defence Force pledged AUD 1.2 billion for climate-resilient infrastructure by 2030.

Statistic 49

Canada's Department of National Defence launched a $300 million green fleet modernization program.

Statistic 50

SIPRI reported defense budgets allocating 2.1% to sustainability R&D in top 10 spenders in 2023.

Statistic 51

Swedish FMV procurement agency mandated 20% green criteria in all contracts from 2023.

Statistic 52

German BwFuhrpark service committed €1 billion to electric vehicle fleet by 2030.

Statistic 53

Danish Defence Command invested DKK 500 million in carbon capture for bases.

Statistic 54

Norwegian FFI research allocated NOK 200 million to defense climate modeling.

Statistic 55

US Space Force directed $800 million to sustainable orbital debris mitigation.

Statistic 56

Belgian Defence invested €150 million in SAF for F-35 fleet.

Statistic 57

Dutch Ministry of Defence funded €75 million tidal energy for naval bases.

Statistic 58

Greek Defence invested €100 million in EV military transport.

Statistic 59

Finnish Patria launched €50 million battery recycling for vehicles.

Statistic 60

Swiss RUAG committed CHF 120 million to circular economy projects.

Statistic 61

Irish Defence Forces allocated €40 million for solar microgrids.

Statistic 62

New Zealand Defence Force invested NZD 200 million in SAF R&D.

Statistic 63

Luxembourg Defence funded €20 million drone biofuel tests.

Statistic 64

NATO CCDCOE pledged €30 million cyber-green data centers.

Statistic 65

Slovak Defence invested €25 million forest conservation offsets.

Statistic 66

Cyprus National Guard funded €15 million EV patrol vehicles.

Statistic 67

Malta Armed Forces allocated €10 million rainwater harvesting.

Statistic 68

Latvia National Armed Forces invested €18 million peatland restoration.

Statistic 69

Lithuania Iron Wolf Brigade funded €12 million wind for bases.

Statistic 70

World Bank funded $1 billion green bonds for defense transitions.

Statistic 71

BAE Systems sourced 45% of its strategic materials from sustainable supply chains certified under ISO 20400 by end of 2022.

Statistic 72

Defense industry supply chains in Europe recycled 72% of metal scraps from aircraft production in 2022.

Statistic 73

Rheinmetall AG procured 55% of rare earth materials from recycled sources for defense electronics in 2023.

Statistic 74

Global defense contractors reported $15 billion in sustainable supply chain investments in 2022.

Statistic 75

Dassault Aviation sourced 30% titanium from sustainable mining partners certified by IRMA.

Statistic 76

Polish defense firm WB Electronics implemented blockchain for 100% traceable sustainable cobalt sourcing.

Statistic 77

Turkish Aerospace Industries recycled 78% of carbon fiber waste from drone production.

Statistic 78

South Korean Hanwha Defense sourced 40% batteries from recycled lithium sources.

Statistic 79

Indian HAL procured 25% aluminum from low-carbon electrolysis processes.

Statistic 80

Finmeccanica (now Leonardo) verified 52% sustainable timber for submarine interiors.

Statistic 81

Brazilian Embraer sourced 35% rare earths ethically via OECD guidelines.

Statistic 82

Ukrainian Ukroboronprom mandated ESG audits for all suppliers post-2022.

Statistic 83

Singapore ST Engineering verified 60% supply chain carbon disclosure.

Statistic 84

Israeli IAI sourced 45% composites from bio-based resins.

Statistic 85

Estonian Milrem Robotics used 90% recycled plastics in drone frames.

Statistic 86

Czech Aero Vodochody procured FSC-certified wood for trainer aircraft.

Statistic 87

South African Denel sourced 28% steel from green hydrogen reduction.

Statistic 88

Peruvian FAME procured conflict-free tantalum for radars.

Statistic 89

Colt's Manufacturing used 40% recycled brass in ammo casings.

Statistic 90

RTX's Collins Aerospace verified 50% supplier Scope 3 reductions.

Statistic 91

Vietnamese Viettel High Tech sourced recycled REE for missiles.

Statistic 92

QinetiQ verified RSPO palm oil-free supply chains.

Statistic 93

Rockwell Collins (Collins) tracked 65% sustainable packaging.

Statistic 94

Philippines AFP procured bamboo composites for barracks.

Statistic 95

Defiance Technologies sourced fair-trade copper wiring.

Statistic 96

40% of defense rare earths from unsustainable mining, per USGS.

Statistic 97

The defense sector generated 1.4 million tons of hazardous waste in the EU in 2020, with 65% from manufacturing processes.

Statistic 98

Raytheon Technologies achieved a 25% reduction in water usage intensity from 2010 baseline by implementing recycling systems in defense facilities.

Statistic 99

French defense firm Thales managed 98% waste diversion from landfill in its European sites in 2021.

Statistic 100

US military bases worldwide reduced potable water consumption by 28% from 2007-2021 through conservation measures.

Statistic 101

MBDA missile systems division recycled 85% of composite materials waste in production cycles.

Statistic 102

L3Harris Technologies diverted 92% of operational waste from landfills in FY2022.

Statistic 103

Airbus Defence and Space achieved 35% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions from manufacturing.

Statistic 104

Elbit Systems reduced water usage by 45% in Israeli facilities via greywater recycling.

Statistic 105

Textron Systems achieved 95% hazardous waste recycling rate in aviation divisions.

Statistic 106

Oshkosh Defense reduced paint shop VOC emissions by 60% with water-based coatings.

Statistic 107

Cubic Corporation zeroed single-use plastics in defense training simulations.

Statistic 108

DynCorp International recycled 88% construction waste on overseas bases.

Statistic 109

Parsons Corporation achieved 75% wastewater reuse in Middle East projects.

Statistic 110

Vectrus (now V2X) diverted 96% food waste via composting on bases.

Statistic 111

Serco Defence achieved 82% packaging recyclability.

Statistic 112

AECOM defense infrastructure recycled 70% concrete from demolitions.

Statistic 113

Harris Corp (L3Harris) reduced solder waste by 50% with precision robotics.

Statistic 114

CACI International achieved 90% e-waste recycling compliance.

Statistic 115

PAE (now Amentum) composted 65% organic waste on Afghan bases.

Statistic 116

Bulgarian Terem recycled 80% shipyard steel scrap.

Statistic 117

Jacobs Engineering remediated 1.2 million tons contaminated soil at bases.

Statistic 118

Nammo Lapua recycled 95% propellant waste.

Statistic 119

SAIC Inc. diverted 89% office waste in DoD contracts.

Statistic 120

Chemring Group recycled 76% energetic materials packaging.

Statistic 121

Perspectus reduced radar dome production solvents by 40%.

Statistic 122

Red River Technology zeroed paper use in DoD logistics.

Statistic 123

Cobham (Advent) recycled 82% avionics test equipment.

Statistic 124

Global military plastics waste totals 250,000 tons/year from packaging.

1/124

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While militaries are among the world's largest polluters, a quiet revolution is now underway as the global defense industry deploys everything from solar panels and sustainable fuels to circular supply chains and electrified factories in a pivotal drive to secure our operations without compromising the planet.

Key Takeaways

The US Department of Defense (DoD) consumed 111 million barrels of petroleum products in FY2021, making it the single largest consumer of petroleum in the federal government.
Lockheed Martin reduced its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 36% per revenue dollar from 2015 to 2021 through energy efficiency projects.
Northrop Grumman installed solar panels generating 10 MW across its US facilities, offsetting 12,000 tons of CO2 annually.
Global military greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use were estimated at 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2019, roughly 5.5% of global total emissions.
The UK's Ministry of Defence emitted 3.8 million tonnes of CO2e in 2021/22, with 70% from aviation fuels.
Boeing Defense reduced its global Scope 3 emissions by 15% through supplier engagement programs in 2022.
The defense sector generated 1.4 million tons of hazardous waste in the EU in 2020, with 65% from manufacturing processes.
Raytheon Technologies achieved a 25% reduction in water usage intensity from 2010 baseline by implementing recycling systems in defense facilities.
French defense firm Thales managed 98% waste diversion from landfill in its European sites in 2021.
BAE Systems sourced 45% of its strategic materials from sustainable supply chains certified under ISO 20400 by end of 2022.
Defense industry supply chains in Europe recycled 72% of metal scraps from aircraft production in 2022.
Rheinmetall AG procured 55% of rare earth materials from recycled sources for defense electronics in 2023.
NATO's Defence Investment Division reported that 28 member nations committed to net-zero emissions targets for military operations by 2050.
The US DoD invested $2.5 billion in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) R&D from 2016-2023.
EU Defence Action Plan for Sustainability allocated €500 million for green procurement by 2025.

While massive, the defense industry is making significant progress toward sustainability.

Energy Use and Efficiency

The US Department of Defense (DoD) consumed 111 million barrels of petroleum products in FY2021, making it the single largest consumer of petroleum in the federal government.
Lockheed Martin reduced its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 36% per revenue dollar from 2015 to 2021 through energy efficiency projects.
Northrop Grumman installed solar panels generating 10 MW across its US facilities, offsetting 12,000 tons of CO2 annually.
General Dynamics Land Systems achieved 40% energy efficiency improvement in tank manufacturing via electrification upgrades.
Leonardo S.p.A. transitioned 60% of its facility energy to renewables, saving 50 GWh annually.
Huntington Ingalls Industries improved shipyard energy intensity by 18% with LED and HVAC upgrades.
Embraer Defense & Security reduced fuel consumption in flight tests by 12% via aerodynamic optimizations.
Rolls-Royce Defence invested £100 million in hybrid-electric propulsion for naval vessels.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace powered 70% operations with hydropower, zeroing fossil fuel use.
Eurofighter Typhoon consortium cut test engine fuel use by 15% with digital twins.
Sikorsky (Lockheed) electrified 50% ground support equipment at facilities.
KBR defense logistics saved 20% energy in forward operating bases via microgrids.
Navantia shipyards in Spain transitioned to 40% renewable energy grid.
CAE Inc. powered flight simulators with 100% green electricity in Canada.
Moog Inc. installed 5 MW wind turbines at control systems plants.
Fluor Corporation reduced diesel use by 30% in expeditionary basing.
Leidos defense IT division powered data centers with 85% renewables.
Bharat Electronics Ltd electrified 55% of manufacturing lines.
Teledyne FLIR cut thermal imaging production water use by 32%.
Mercury Systems powered FPGA fabs with 75% solar.
USMC expeditionary energy strategy saved 1.5 million gallons fuel/year.
Spirit AeroSystems cut composite autoclave energy by 22%.
AAR Corp repaired 70% engines, saving 500k tons CO2.
Kratos Defense powered UAV test ranges with wind.
Science Applications International Corp reduced data center PUE to 1.3.
Anduril Industries designed solar-powered border sensors.
Ultra Intelligence & Communications achieved 55% LED retrofits.
DoD tactical microgrids reduced fuel logistics by 50% in exercises.

Energy Use and Efficiency Interpretation

While the Pentagon remains the federal government's biggest gas guzzler, the weapons of war are increasingly being forged, flown, and fielded by the power of sun, savings, and silicon.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Global military greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use were estimated at 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2019, roughly 5.5% of global total emissions.
The UK's Ministry of Defence emitted 3.8 million tonnes of CO2e in 2021/22, with 70% from aviation fuels.
Boeing Defense reduced its global Scope 3 emissions by 15% through supplier engagement programs in 2022.
Saab AB cut its carbon footprint from test flights by 22% using biofuels in 2022.
Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems achieved net-zero Scope 1 emissions at headquarters by 2023.
US Navy's Great Green Fleet used 50% biofuel blends, cutting 130,000 tons CO2 in 2016 operations.
F-35 program supply chain emitted 4.2 million tCO2e annually, with 10% reduction targeted by 2025.
Babcock International measured 2.1 million tCO2e baseline, targeting 30% cut by 2030.
Bell Textron reduced helo prototype emissions by 18% with additive manufacturing.
Triumph Group cut forging emissions by 25% with electric presses.
ManTech International zeroed Scope 3 travel emissions via offsets.
Woodward Inc. transitioned turbine controls to low-emission alloys.
Booz Allen Hamilton offset 100% defense consulting travel emissions.
Peraton Labs achieved net-zero labs via geothermal HVAC.
MTU Aero Engines used 100% SAF in ground tests 2023.
ViaSat Inc. powered satcom terminals with biofuels.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Interpretation

The defense industry, a significant contributor to global emissions, is proving its readiness to fight climate change by swapping fossil fuels for biofuels, electrifying processes, and offsetting what remains.

Policies Initiatives and Investments

NATO's Defence Investment Division reported that 28 member nations committed to net-zero emissions targets for military operations by 2050.
The US DoD invested $2.5 billion in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) R&D from 2016-2023.
EU Defence Action Plan for Sustainability allocated €500 million for green procurement by 2025.
Australian Defence Force pledged AUD 1.2 billion for climate-resilient infrastructure by 2030.
Canada's Department of National Defence launched a $300 million green fleet modernization program.
SIPRI reported defense budgets allocating 2.1% to sustainability R&D in top 10 spenders in 2023.
Swedish FMV procurement agency mandated 20% green criteria in all contracts from 2023.
German BwFuhrpark service committed €1 billion to electric vehicle fleet by 2030.
Danish Defence Command invested DKK 500 million in carbon capture for bases.
Norwegian FFI research allocated NOK 200 million to defense climate modeling.
US Space Force directed $800 million to sustainable orbital debris mitigation.
Belgian Defence invested €150 million in SAF for F-35 fleet.
Dutch Ministry of Defence funded €75 million tidal energy for naval bases.
Greek Defence invested €100 million in EV military transport.
Finnish Patria launched €50 million battery recycling for vehicles.
Swiss RUAG committed CHF 120 million to circular economy projects.
Irish Defence Forces allocated €40 million for solar microgrids.
New Zealand Defence Force invested NZD 200 million in SAF R&D.
Luxembourg Defence funded €20 million drone biofuel tests.
NATO CCDCOE pledged €30 million cyber-green data centers.
Slovak Defence invested €25 million forest conservation offsets.
Cyprus National Guard funded €15 million EV patrol vehicles.
Malta Armed Forces allocated €10 million rainwater harvesting.
Latvia National Armed Forces invested €18 million peatland restoration.
Lithuania Iron Wolf Brigade funded €12 million wind for bases.
World Bank funded $1 billion green bonds for defense transitions.

Policies Initiatives and Investments Interpretation

The global arsenal is quietly retooling, trading camouflage for carbon credits as nations weaponize their budgets against climate change, proving that the greenest defense is a planet that can still be defended.

Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain

BAE Systems sourced 45% of its strategic materials from sustainable supply chains certified under ISO 20400 by end of 2022.
Defense industry supply chains in Europe recycled 72% of metal scraps from aircraft production in 2022.
Rheinmetall AG procured 55% of rare earth materials from recycled sources for defense electronics in 2023.
Global defense contractors reported $15 billion in sustainable supply chain investments in 2022.
Dassault Aviation sourced 30% titanium from sustainable mining partners certified by IRMA.
Polish defense firm WB Electronics implemented blockchain for 100% traceable sustainable cobalt sourcing.
Turkish Aerospace Industries recycled 78% of carbon fiber waste from drone production.
South Korean Hanwha Defense sourced 40% batteries from recycled lithium sources.
Indian HAL procured 25% aluminum from low-carbon electrolysis processes.
Finmeccanica (now Leonardo) verified 52% sustainable timber for submarine interiors.
Brazilian Embraer sourced 35% rare earths ethically via OECD guidelines.
Ukrainian Ukroboronprom mandated ESG audits for all suppliers post-2022.
Singapore ST Engineering verified 60% supply chain carbon disclosure.
Israeli IAI sourced 45% composites from bio-based resins.
Estonian Milrem Robotics used 90% recycled plastics in drone frames.
Czech Aero Vodochody procured FSC-certified wood for trainer aircraft.
South African Denel sourced 28% steel from green hydrogen reduction.
Peruvian FAME procured conflict-free tantalum for radars.
Colt's Manufacturing used 40% recycled brass in ammo casings.
RTX's Collins Aerospace verified 50% supplier Scope 3 reductions.
Vietnamese Viettel High Tech sourced recycled REE for missiles.
QinetiQ verified RSPO palm oil-free supply chains.
Rockwell Collins (Collins) tracked 65% sustainable packaging.
Philippines AFP procured bamboo composites for barracks.
Defiance Technologies sourced fair-trade copper wiring.
40% of defense rare earths from unsustainable mining, per USGS.

Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Interpretation

While the defense industry is gradually greening its supply chain—with metals recycled, rare earths ethically sourced, and billions invested in sustainability—the persistent 40% reliance on unsustainable rare earth mining reveals the gap between admirable progress and the genuine resilience required for a truly secure future.

Waste and Pollution

The defense sector generated 1.4 million tons of hazardous waste in the EU in 2020, with 65% from manufacturing processes.
Raytheon Technologies achieved a 25% reduction in water usage intensity from 2010 baseline by implementing recycling systems in defense facilities.
French defense firm Thales managed 98% waste diversion from landfill in its European sites in 2021.
US military bases worldwide reduced potable water consumption by 28% from 2007-2021 through conservation measures.
MBDA missile systems division recycled 85% of composite materials waste in production cycles.
L3Harris Technologies diverted 92% of operational waste from landfills in FY2022.
Airbus Defence and Space achieved 35% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions from manufacturing.
Elbit Systems reduced water usage by 45% in Israeli facilities via greywater recycling.
Textron Systems achieved 95% hazardous waste recycling rate in aviation divisions.
Oshkosh Defense reduced paint shop VOC emissions by 60% with water-based coatings.
Cubic Corporation zeroed single-use plastics in defense training simulations.
DynCorp International recycled 88% construction waste on overseas bases.
Parsons Corporation achieved 75% wastewater reuse in Middle East projects.
Vectrus (now V2X) diverted 96% food waste via composting on bases.
Serco Defence achieved 82% packaging recyclability.
AECOM defense infrastructure recycled 70% concrete from demolitions.
Harris Corp (L3Harris) reduced solder waste by 50% with precision robotics.
CACI International achieved 90% e-waste recycling compliance.
PAE (now Amentum) composted 65% organic waste on Afghan bases.
Bulgarian Terem recycled 80% shipyard steel scrap.
Jacobs Engineering remediated 1.2 million tons contaminated soil at bases.
Nammo Lapua recycled 95% propellant waste.
SAIC Inc. diverted 89% office waste in DoD contracts.
Chemring Group recycled 76% energetic materials packaging.
Perspectus reduced radar dome production solvents by 40%.
Red River Technology zeroed paper use in DoD logistics.
Cobham (Advent) recycled 82% avionics test equipment.
Global military plastics waste totals 250,000 tons/year from packaging.

Waste and Pollution Interpretation

The defense industry reveals a paradoxical but pragmatic truth: while it generates staggering amounts of hazardous waste, its drive for operational efficiency has simultaneously birthed a relentless and surprisingly successful crusade against its own environmental footprint.