Sphera & Rolls-Royce publish EPDs for mtu generators

Sphera has partnered with Rolls-Royce Power Systems on Environmental Product Declarations for two mtu backup power generator sets.

The work covers the mtu 16V 4000 DS2500 and mtu 10V 1600 DS500 generator sets. Rolls-Royce published the declarations on the International EPD System, also known as Environdec. Rolls-Royce said this makes it one of the first engine original equipment manufacturers to publish EPDs on the platform.

EPD details

Environmental Product Declarations provide third-party verified information about a product's environmental impact across its life cycle. Rolls-Royce and Sphera said the declarations followed ISO 14025 and EN 50693 standards.

The EPD report includes a summary of Life Cycle Assessment study results and environmental impact data. The life cycle scope includes raw material extraction, manufacturing, use and end-of-life, according to the companies.

Sphera's Sustainability Consultants created two EPDs on behalf of Rolls-Royce. The teams used Sphera's LCA For Experts and LCA BOM Import tools during the process.

Companies across heavy industry have increased their use of life cycle assessments and environmental declarations in recent years. Procurement teams have asked suppliers for more standardised reporting. Regulators have also expanded disclosure requirements across several markets.

"With these environmental product declarations, we set a new industry standard for environmental transparency in the field of energy systems," said Tobias Ostermaier, President Stationary Power Solutions, Rolls-Royce Power Systems division. "This is our response to growing demand from our customers, and we are actively supporting them in reducing their carbon footprint."

Rolls-Royce positioned the EPD publication as part of its approach to environmental reporting for stationary power products. The generator sets covered by the declarations are part of the mtu brand portfolio.

Sphera said the project reflects a wider trend among manufacturers to formalise product-level environmental data. The company operates in sustainability software, data services and consulting.

"The published EPDs are testament to the ongoing partnership between Rolls-Royce and Sphera. They exemplify how companies are embedding sustainability into the fabric of their operations - from procurement to leadership," said Mark Stach.

Business context

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany. It employs more than 10,350 people. The unit sells mtu-branded high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships and for heavy land, rail and defence vehicles. It also supplies systems for the oil and gas industry.

The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery solutions for mission critical, standby and continuous power. It also sells combined heat and power systems and microgrid products.

Sphera said it provides sustainability and operational risk management software, data and consulting services. The company focuses on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability, process safety, product stewardship and supply chain risk management. Sphera said it has served 8,500 customers and more than a million users in 100 countries.

The two companies did not disclose the commercial terms of the partnership. They also did not state whether additional EPDs are planned for other mtu generator models or for other product categories in the Rolls-Royce Power Systems portfolio.

Rolls-Royce said it expects continued customer demand for EPDs and related product-level reporting in energy systems, alongside wider procurement and regulatory reporting requirements.