The Clean Sky initiative is aimed at speeding up the development and application of new solutions for greener air transport. With a budget of about €1.6 billion, it is one of the largest European research projects ever.

One of its aims is to pull the best existing technologies together rather than starting from scratch, the initiative's Executive Director Eric Dautriat said at the conference. Clean Sky Joint Undertaking Coordinating Project Officer Giuseppe Pagnano explained, "We want to apply the best manufacturing techniques that have the lowest impact on the environment. That means reducing inputs of raw materials, water and energy, and reducing the output of noxious waste and hazardous materials. And we have to address the same issues when it comes to maintenance activities throughout the lifetime of these aircraft."

Work under the Clean Sky Eco-Design ITD will encompass the use of new materials such as bio-composites, 'greener' manufacturing practices, and end-of-life recycling issues. During the demonstration phase, researchers will simulate the entire 'cradle-to-grave' life-cycle of significant aircraft sections. Another aim of the Clkean Sky initiative is to reduce negative environmental impact while the aircraft is on the ground. 

Clean Sky is a prime example for innovation

Representing the European Commission, Rudolf Strohmeier, Deputy Director-General of DG RTD, held up Clean Sky's real-world approach, "Today the Commission is refocusing on research for the betterment of society. We need innovation and we need it now, and Clean Sky is a prime example of how, by working together, we can create new synergies and move the air transport agenda forward."

"Ultimately we are here to ensure that our innovative technologies and ideas have real impact on the market and on society. It is no good working on new systems and processes that the market cannot use and that we cannot sell," Clean Sky Executive Director Eric Dautriat added.

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/research/transport/news/article_10433_en.html, as accessed on July 14, 2010.