Insights Danish Ministry of Defence Green Action Plan 2021-2025
The Green Action Plan 2021-2025 of the Danish Ministry of Defence concludes that the largest source of CO2 emissions (75%) generated by the MoD is fuel consumption. The main energy consumers of the Ministry of Defence include vehicles, aircraft and vessels. The navy and the air force each consume about 34 million litres of fuel per year, while the army uses about 8 million litres. New technological solutions, which can both reduce the need for fossil fuels and consequently make the Armed Forces greener, are of major interest.
According to the MoD, at least five percent of diesel fuel should be able to be replaced by diesel fuel from renewable sources with low CO2 emissions. This is estimated to result in a potential annual reduction of 550 to 2,800 tonnes of CO2 compared to the use of conventional, fossil diesel fuel. Among many activities and initiatives, the MoD is testing the use of electrically powered aircraft for the basic training of future military pilots and training and education are to be optimised by using modern, advanced simulators.
Whilst there is no substitute for actual combat experience, realism is key to optimize the training experience. Live training solutions deliver that realism and the high fidelity data to learn the key lesson to maximize combat effectiveness. Virtual simulation training allows the user to practice procedures and equipment handling, and together with live simulation training crucial external influencing factors are added. Combat forces operate in an increasingly complex battlefield, under accurate hostile fire, inflicting and taking casualties, in extreme environmental conditions, and equipped with new and emerging technologies. Joint training between allied nations is a key topic among all NATO members. Interoperability training at brigade level and beyond is being given greater focus in order to ensure effective training and to be prepared for current and future threats.
The Ministry of Defence has around 32,000 hectares of uncultivated shooting and exercise terrain, and nature can flourish within the framework provided by the exercises. Shooting and exercise terrains are training facilities that ensure a realistic deployment environment and relevant training frameworks.
One of many initiatives according to the Danish Ministry of Defence's Green Action Plan 2021-2025 is to increase biodiversity and create more wild nature where this is compatible with the function as a military training facility. By planting new forests, an average of about 10 tonnes of CO2 per hectare and per year should be bound during the life of the forest. At the same time, afforestation gives nature more space to develop.
The MoD is one of Denmark’s largest building owners and presides over more than 6,000 buildings spread over the entire country. This corresponds to roughly 2.3 million m2, of which 1.8 million m2 are heated. 18% of the CO2 emissions caused by the MoD come from the operation of these infrastructures. According to the Green Action Plan 2021-2025, many of these buildings are outdated and will either be renovated or demolished and rebuilt to modern building standards to be more energy efficient and sustainable.
Based on the government's strategy for greener public procurement, energy labels will have a significant impact in the future. A steering group and the dedicated project group with representatives from the Ministry of Defence and all subordinate authorities ensure, support and coordinate the efforts regarding sustainability between the different authorities of the Danish Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence's Green Action Plan has been valid since 2021 and is updated annually.
Read more: Green Action Plan 2021-2025
Sustainability in Denmark
Denmark and the Danish Ministry of Defence is committed to a strong climate change integration and green conversion regarding defence cooperation in NATO and the EU. Denmark is consistently working towards the creation of greener armed forces without compromising military effectiveness or the alliance's ability to deter and defend.
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