With all the talk of airline sustainability there is one phrase that constantly comes up—carbon neutral. So what does it mean to be carbon neutral and how are airlines achieving this status? Carbon neutral as a static definition describes “…fuels that neither contribute to nor reduce the amount of carbon (measured in the release of carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere”. However, due to the fact that airplanes must release carbon dioxide emissions in order to operate they take on a more complex definition of the term. Airlines can “…release CO2 into the atmosphere and still be carbon neutral, so long it is balanced by a CO2 reduction elsewhere”. It is a way in which airlines are starting to take responsibility for the pollution they are causing. Sustainability is a new way of not only living, but also travelling and airlines that cater to this way of life are able to gain a competitive advantage by offering features such as carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are credits which may be purchased to support a variety of different programs such as renewable energy sources (wind and solar) as well as protection, compensation, and education programs. Many airlines offer customers the option of purchasing carbon offsets with their flight (price varies with distance travelled). While offering the option to purchasing offsets is a great step in become more carbon neutral some companies are taking the next step and as an organization offsetting 100% of the carbon emissions created through their own efforts.
NatureAir is based out of Costa Rica and The World’s First Carbon Neutral Airline. Since 2004 NatureAir has committed to compensating 100% of their carbon emissions through their own contributions through a certified program. To accurately estimate how much of an offset is necessary the company looks at a calendar year of how much fuel is burned (including both taxing and flying) rather than simply looking at the individual flights or passengers. The main focus through the compensation is to support reforestation and conservation programs that benefit rain forests within Costa Rica—to date protecting and conserving over 500 acres—that feel the impacts of the carbon emissions the greatest. In addition to the main focus on rainforest protection, NatureAir also works on government recognized compensation programs which protect biological corridors, contribute environmental payment services to local communities and contribute to public education regarding environmental awareness. Offsetting their carbon emissions is a huge step in recognizing their environmental impacts however, NatureAir also looks for ways in which to improve their operations in other aspects such as increasing fuel efficiency through practices such as operating more fuel efficient class of aircrafts, reducing aircraft weight and improving flight plans. NatureAir recognizes that they are only one part of the puzzle in reducing carbon emissions, “We will always be the first carbon neutral airline; we just hope we are not the only one”.
To calculate your carbon footprint and ways in which you can offset it, check out this link:
Sources Used:
David Suzuki Foundation. (2009, July). Purchasing Carbon Offsets: A Guide for Canadian Consumers, Businesses, and Organizations. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from David Suzuki Foundation : http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/resources/2009/purchasing-carbon-offsets/
Gable, C. &. (n.d.). What does carbon neutral mean? Retrieved March 4, 2011, from About.com: http://alternativefuels.about.com/od/glossary/g/carbonneutral.htm
Martin, L. (2006, October 26). Carbon Neutral - What Does It Mean? Retrieved March 2, 2011, from Ezine Articles : http://ezinearticles.com/?Carbon-Neutral---What-Does-It-Mean?&id=339090
NatureAir. (n.d.). The World's First Carbon Neutral Airline. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from NatureAir: http://www.natureair.com/carbonneutral/
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