Boeing: we are focused on helping build a better planet

Leading aircraft manufacturer Boeing has set out its commitment to improving its sustainability and having a positive impact. Its 2014 Environment Report demonstrates the economic benefits of cutting emissions and creating innovative solutions.

Over the last year, Boeing has continued to invest in fuel efficiency, a major area of concern because of the associated carbon emissions and the impact this has on climate change, among other areas. The research and investment means that the firm’s new airplanes will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20%.

As well as being environmentally better, cleaner technologies also have a positive economic impact. Over the last four years, the report notes that technology innovations that dramatically improve the fuel efficiency of products has increased revenues and earnings by around 35%, as well as securing a backlog of customer orders valued at nearly half a trillion dollars.

Additionally, the company has pledged to improve its own environmental performance. It has committed to achieving zero growth in water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste to landfill despite the business growing.

Jim McNerney, chairman and chief executive officer of Boeing, said, “Every day, Boeing employees find new and innovative ways to serve our global customers, and they are also committed to responsible environmental leadership in our products and how we manufacture, deliver and support them.

“As we look forward to our second century and building a bigger and better Boeing across the breadth and depth of our businesses and communities, we are also focussed on helping build a better planet.”

Terry Mutter, director of enterprise strategy for Boeing environment, heath and safety, previously spoke to Blue & Green Tomorrow about the aviation industry’s need to improve sustainability and how it is tackling the challenges it faces, including collaborating with other industry players.

Collaboratively, the industry aims to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and a new sustainable jet fuel is essential to this goal. In order to help achieve this goal, Boeing is focusing on a so-called ‘drop-in’ sustainable biofuel, which can be blended with traditional fuel, with no change to airplanes, engines or infrastructure.

The firm’s goal is that by 2016 sustainable biofuel will address 1% of global jet fuel, equivalent to 600 million gallons. It notes that 1% often represents the tipping point to show proof of concept for a new technology, leading to increased investment and more rapid market expansion.

Photo: revedavion.com via Flickr

Further reading:

Boeing: sustainability is the ‘right thing to do for business’

Solar powered plane makes first flight ahead of round the world trip

Sustainable transport: to fly, or not to fly?

Investing in sustainable transport, and not destroying the world

The Guide to Sustainable Transport 2014