Army chiefs not camouflaging green credentials

Britain's military has announced a series of measured aimed at reducing its carbon footprint through greening its supply line and improving energy efficiency.


The Ministry of Defence announced today (March 26) the armed forces will be ‘doing its bit’ to address climate change through the Sustainable Procurement Strategy.

The strategy will look at ways in which the forces – and their equipment – can become greener.

Some of the ways the army has improved in the war against climate change include painting the hull of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal with a hydro-dynamic paint, which reduces friction and improving energy efficiency by 9%.

Engine upgrades to puma helicopters, which will improve energy efficiency by 25%, have provided a 35% power boost to the aircraft.

And, more than 80% of materials used in the ongoing redevelopment of Catterick Garrison are recycled.

Minister for strategic defence acquisition reform, Lord Drayson, said: “Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and other scarce resources will help the armed forces address the causes of climate change.

“But will also improve their ability to operate in hostile environments, reducing the need for re-supply convoys in dangerous territory.”

Read the whole strategy here.

Luke Walsh

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