Sustainable from the inside out

Bombardier applies science-based criteria to designing a more environmental sustainable aircraft interiors 

In May 2022, Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 became the first super mid-size business jet to publish an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – a rigorous cradle-to-grave analysis of more than 40,000 aircraft parts and their cumulative life cycle impact on the environment.  

Publication of the Challenger 3500 EPD marked a big moment for the team led by Laurence Casia, Manager, Industrial Design and Cabin Innovation at Bombardier.  

“What you touch and feel inside your jet, those things are very important to the experience – whether sustainable or not,” he explained. “So, the Product Sustainability team here developed methodology on how something can be considered more environmental sustainable in a science-based way. We wanted to find materials that check the experience box but that also demonstrate true environmental sustainability. When more environmental sustainable options are presented, they can be considered by the customer.” 

There’s no doubt that customers are interested in greener alternatives. Over the last six months, Casia’s team said the number of inquiries about environmental sustainable jet interiors has doubled.   

“People were asking about it and looking at it, but since we talked about it openly with the 3500, that’s opened the door,” said Miguel Garcia Claro, Technical Expert, Engineering – Product Sustainability & Strategy.  

With the increasing focus on business jets and the environment, a scientific methodology for evaluating a material’s environmental factor is even more critical.  

Garcia Claro explained it this way: “Let’s take a natural wood product that is sourced far away from here. It is a material that has captured CO2 from the environment, but the act of transporting it here for our use reduces the CO2 advantage of that material. Our methodology evaluates where something is produced and how much energy is used to transform the material, as well as taking renewable energy and recycling into account during manufacturing.” 

“Our customers live in their jets, which are in turn inspired by home industrial design,” he added. “It was the right moment to focus on environmental sustainability with the Challenger 3500. For years prior, we had been doing research. This jet marked a moment when the teams crystallized around the methodology. We’ve identified what’s best and what performs better, and as we engage with new and existing suppliers, we have something to measure against.” 

Aside from its EPD, the latest member of the Challenger dynasty was designed with environmental sustainability top of mind. From a more environmental sustainable selection of interior fabrics and finishes that include alternative wood options and natural fibres, to its industry-first carbon neutral flight test program by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through Book and Claim and through Carbon Offsetting, the Challenger 3500 checks all the boxes for those who want to demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainable operations.  

“We use our science-based metrics to show why one material is more environmental sustainable than another, so customers can make an educated choice,” said Casia.  

Garcia Claro said the team has begun to recognize when a supplier is using science-based language to support their environmental claims. Another thing they look for is independent third-party verification.  

“In order to assess the material, we need specific information,” he said.  

Through its Diamond Supplier program, Bombardier recognizes its best suppliers, those who meet strict criteria for product quality. There is a fine balance between sustainability and aviation’s stringent standards for flammability, weight, etc.  

With the Challenger 3500, Bombardier also implemented a clever design approach that will allow aircraft to be updated in the future with less of an environmental impact.  

“We check many boxes in doing so,” said Louis Lefebvre, Senior Industrial Designer. “We developed an approach where façade finishes are easily removable. For things like monuments and bulkheads, we don’t have to replace the entire structure. We just have to remove the existing shell, or finish, and install a new one. Seats, too – the way they are built with a back shell and separate parts that can be changed, exchanged or fixed... There is a two-fold advantage there, to the environment and to the business.” 

Lefebvre said that right now, the team is focused on raising customer awareness, so they understand that sustainable does not mean substandard.  

“The more we are able to offer, the more they will realize there is no compromise to be made in terms of style, comfort, esthetics, haptics. It’s up to us to show them and offer more choices,” he added. 

Casia noted that many customers inquiring about sustainability are corporations who are adhering to an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) framework. The team has received specific requests for details on upstream manufacturing processes, with an eye to CO2 creation.  

It's become increasingly necessary to back up these claims with reliable, science-based methodology. As suppliers become more aware of Bombardier’s criteria for determining environmental sustainability, they are finding innovative new solutions to demonstrate compliance.  

“We have the credibility, and we make the claims from a scientific point of view, so further down the line we don’t lose our credibility,” concluded Lefebvre. “It’s important to do our due diligence.”