Siemens and Airbus join forces to decarbonize UK manufacturing sites by 2030
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Siemens and Airbus have signed a strategic contract aimed at transforming the carbon footprint of three of Airbus’ major industrial sites in the United Kingdom. Located in Broughton, Filton and Stevenage, the facilities are central to Airbus’ aerospace operations and will now become a testbed for deep industrial decarbonisation. One U.S.-based Airbus site will also be included in the program.
This partnership represents a pivotal shift in how industrial giants are collaborating to achieve climate goals. At the heart of the agreement is a shared ambition to cut site-wide energy consumption by 20 percent and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 85 percent by 2030, benchmarked against 2015 levels. The initiative aims to eliminate 80 kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually from 2030 onward.
As decarbonisation accelerates across the global manufacturing sector, the Siemens-Airbus partnership provides a replicable model for sustainable manufacturing in carbon-intensive industries.
Engineering net-zero through digital modeling
At the center of the project is Siemens’ Smart Infrastructure Buildings business, which will lead the design and implementation of decarbonisation strategies tailored to each site. A major feature of this approach involves the use of digital twin energy modeling through Siemens’ Energy System Twins. These tools allow for precise simulation of future energy scenarios and real-time impact modeling.
The simulations will support the creation of decarbonisation roadmaps and guide decisions on infrastructure investments. Technologies being deployed include smart metering systems, low-carbon heat systems such as industrial heat pumps, and on-site renewable energy integration. These will be combined with intelligent energy management platforms to optimize consumption and reduce waste.
The result is not only a reduction in carbon emissions but also an increase in energy resilience and operational efficiency. This is a critical consideration as manufacturers navigate energy price volatility and stricter emissions regulation.
Capgemini’s role in digitalisation and delivery
To support the scale and complexity of this transformation, Siemens has partnered with Capgemini. The consultancy will lead initial governance planning and provide digitalisation expertise. Capgemini’s experience in energy transformation will help Airbus align operational performance with sustainability objectives.
This includes the digitalisation of energy monitoring systems, the automation of measurement tools and the implementation of real-time analytics. As environmental, social and governance reporting gains importance, data transparency will support compliance and build strategic clarity.
Supporting the UK’s Green Industrial Strategy
The significance of the project extends beyond Airbus and Siemens. It supports the United Kingdom’s broader Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, which calls for net-zero manufacturing across core sectors by 2050. Airbus, as one of the country’s largest aerospace employers, may influence industry standards for emissions reductions.
Carl Ennis, chief executive at Siemens UK and Ireland, framed the project as a model for effective industrial collaboration. “Decarbonising industry can’t be done alone. It demands the right partnerships, the right technology, and the resolve to act,” he said.
His comments underscore the importance of coordinated efforts between technology providers, manufacturers and consultants. These partnerships are becoming essential to solving complex environmental challenges.
From planning to implementation
Roadmap development began in summer 2025. Infrastructure rollout is expected to start in 2026. Siemens will also operate and maintain the systems following deployment to ensure long-term resilience and performance.
This project is more than a step toward emissions reduction. It reflects a wider shift in how manufacturing will evolve in a low-carbon economy. Through innovation, governance and scale, the partnership offers a blueprint for transforming industrial operations in line with global climate targets.
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