Assessment of the environmental impacts of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Mid-Sized Telescope

TL;DR

This study evaluates the environmental impacts of the Cherenkov Telescope Array's Medium-Sized Telescope, highlighting resource use and climate change effects, and suggests strategies for reducing its carbon footprint over its lifecycle.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive life cycle assessment of the MST, identifying key impact areas and proposing mitigation strategies for environmental sustainability.

Findings

Total greenhouse gas emissions are approximately 2,660 tons of CO2 equivalent.

Construction accounts for 44% of emissions, operations for 55%.

Environmental impact can be mitigated through renewable energy and recycled materials.

Abstract

Astronomical observatories have been identified as substantial contributors to the carbon footprint of astrophysical research. Being part of the collaboration that currently develops the Medium-Sized Telescope (MST) of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, a ground-based observatory for very-high-energy gamma rays that will comprise 64 telescopes deployed on two sites, we assessed the environmental impacts of one MST on the Northern site by means of a Life Cycle Assessment. We identified resource use and climate change as the most significant impacts, being driven by telescope manufacturing and energy consumption during operations. We estimate life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of 2,660 +/- 274 tCO2 equivalent for the telescope, 44% of which arise from construction, 1% from on-site assembly and commissioning, and 55% from operations over 30 years. Environmental impacts can be reduced by using renewable energies during construction and operations, use of less electronic components and metal casting, and use of recycled materials. We propose complementing project requirements with environmental budgets as an effective measure for impact management and reductions.