airlines and CO2 emissions

CO2Zero

Airlines are have their share of responsibility in the generation of negative impacts on the environment due to CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Some airlines have taken steps to lessen these impacts, however as yet they do not seem to be sufficient. The more efficient actions point to the need for more modern fleets, meaning reduced fuel consumption and therefore lower emissions, as well as searching for and using new, less contaminating fuels. Both measures require substantial investments for their implementation and although immediate benefits will be gained by the environment, businesses fear a high financial impact in their structures in the short term.

However, even if these investments do take place, the reduction of emissions will be neutralised if the number of flights increases.

The Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification (AENOR) awarded its first Certificate for Reduced CO2 Emissions to Iberia in May 2009, for the airline’s reduced carbon dioxide emissions in its Madrid-Barcelona shuttle service following the implementation of several measures to improve efficiency.

Some of the changes implemented included the replacement of Boeing 757s and McDonnell Douglas 87 and 88s with the new Airbus A319, A320 and A321 and the installation of new, lighter seats.

The reduction of CO2 emissions in 2008 stood at 12,124 tonnes, representing a decrease of almost 7% in emissions over what the figures would have been had the improvements described not been implemented..

Another way of compensating for carbon emissions appeals to user awareness. Airlines such as KLM offer their customers the possibility to calculate the emissions they produce each time they fly and to make donations in order to finance clean energy projects.
Sources:
http://www.geoscopio.com/guias/cont/noticias/AENOR_certifica_la_reduccion_de_emisiones_de_CO2_del_Puente_Aereo_de_IBERIA_10749.htm

http://www.klm.com/travel/travel_es/about/co2/klmdoing/plan.htm