September 2, 2008

Kansas Aircraft-Makers Make Plans To Reduce Carbon Footprints

Wichita’s general aviation industry is becoming greener, with Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft, and Hawker Beechcraft taking an active role in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint — which contributes three percent to GHG emissions worldwide, Kansas.com reports.

Last year, Bombardier formalized a corporate responsibility roadmap with the goal of reducing water, energy consumption, GHG emissions and hazardous wastes at its sites by 15 percent by the end of 2008. In the past three years, Bombardier’s Learjet facility has increased recycling by 22 percent and reduced water usage by almost 50 percent. Bombardier’s Northern Ireland facilities have slashed CO2 emissions by 69 percent since 2001.

In June, Cessna formed an environmental strategy council to assess the company’s impact on the environment and outline initiatives. In four months, the council created a catalog of potential initiatives and is now deciding which are feasible for development.

As for Hawker Beechcraft, the company is studying corporations around the world that are leaders in the area before it develops specific goals and plans. In the meantime, the company has been successful in managing its water usage and water waste. The company is also using motion sensors on its lighting systems.

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