A major leap forward in sustainable energy solutions—Rolls-Royce is redefining transparency in power generation. For the first time, the company has supplied mtu emergency power generators with fully verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to a European data center operator. This move signals a new era for critical infrastructure energy—where sustainability, accountability, and performance go hand in hand. But here’s where it gets interesting: few engine manufacturers have dared to open their environmental data to such scrutiny.
Setting a new benchmark for transparency
By collaborating with sustainability specialist Sphera, Rolls-Royce has become one of the first in its industry to publish externally verified EPDs for its emergency generators in the international Environdec system. These comprehensive reports cover every stage of the mtu 16V 4000 DS2500 and 10V 1600 systems’ life cycle—from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, usage, and final recycling. Every bit of environmental impact is measured and documented, enabling customers to make truly informed, sustainable choices.
According to Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, this marks a significant step in environmental accountability: “By introducing these EPDs, we’re setting new industry standards for transparency in energy systems. This is our direct response to our customers’ increasing demand for verifiable sustainability—and we’re committed to helping them lower their carbon footprint.”
Cutting emissions by up to 90%
Rolls-Royce’s mtu power generators are not only transparent—they’re cleaner too. These units can run entirely on sustainable fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and e-fuels, without needing any technical modifications. For data centers concerned about reliability and environmental responsibility, this means emergency backup power that doesn’t compromise the planet.
Their maintenance requirements are also optimized. Thanks to Rolls-Royce’s enhanced service and testing intervals, operators now only need to run checks quarterly rather than monthly—cutting operational costs and minimizing emissions from unnecessary tests. Add to this the brand’s advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems, and pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates drop dramatically. Combined with renewable fuels, total emission reductions reach an impressive over 90%.
What exactly is an EPD—and why does it matter?
The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) system is an independent, globally acknowledged framework aligned with ISO 14025 and EN 50693 standards. It documents environmental performance with precision—tracking everything from raw material use and energy consumption to waste generation and recyclability.
Rolls-Royce’s EPDs draw on real-world production data from its own factories and suppliers, enriched with life cycle assessment insights provided by Sphera. The result: reliable, standardized environmental data that customers, regulators, and partners can trust. “Transparency isn’t just a buzzword for us,” Ostermaier noted. “Our EPDs demonstrate that sustainability can—and should—be measurable.”
Rolls-Royce’s broader mission: powering a greener future
Beyond these innovations, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc continues to be a global powerhouse in progress, protection, and connection. Its products energize industries, support defense operations, and bring people and economies together. Present in 48 countries and serving customers in over 100, the company’s reach spans airlines, navies, and industrial sectors worldwide.
Under its long-term transformation plan, Rolls-Royce aims to build a more efficient, agile, and sustainable business. With £17.8 billion in annual underlying revenue and £2.46 billion in profit (2024), it has the resources to drive innovation that supports the ongoing energy transition.
Its Power Systems division, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, employs more than 10,000 people and continues to pioneer mtu-brand engine technologies for ships, defense vehicles, rail systems, and energy projects. The company’s focus on climate-conscious propulsion and power systems, including microgrids and battery solutions, highlights its commitment to a carbon-neutral future.
A question for you: Should all manufacturers in critical infrastructure industries be required to publish Environmental Product Declarations for their products? Or is this level of transparency too costly and complex to maintain? Share your thoughts—this is where sustainable innovation meets real-world practicality.
