Virgin To Report Greenhouse Gases
SAN FRANCISCO – Virgin America on Monday 20th April became the first US airline to sign up to report its greenhouse gas emissions to the nonprofit Climate Registry.
“We hope to do our part to promote awareness and transparency about the impact our industry has on the environment.” said Dave Pflieger, a vice president of legal, government affairs and sustainability at Virgin America.
“As the only California-based airline, it is in our DNA to make environmentally sustainable practices a core priority in our business model.”
Virgin has volunteered to provide the Climate Registry annually with details regarding greenhouse gases emitted operating the airline.
Virgin´s move comes as some US legislators call for the Environmental Protection Agency to create greenhouse gas emissions standards for aircraft and aircraft engines by the end of 2012.
“I congratulate Virgin America for achieving the notable distinction of being the first airline to join the Climate Registry,” said northern California congresswoman Jackie Speier, a Democrat.
“By voluntarily measuring and reporting its carbon footprint, the airline sets a standard for others to follow.”
Launched in August 2007, Virgin America operates a modern Airbus aircraft fleet billed as being 25 percent more CO2 efficient than other domestic fleets.
Virgin said it also cuts pollution with tactics such as regulating cruising speeds and having jets idle using no more than one engine.
“Being a pioneer in environmental responsibility … makes a significant impact in addressing our very urgent issue of climate change,” said Climate Registry executive director Diane Wittenberg.
“Virgin America should be recognized and serve as a model for other highly visible businesses.”
The Climate Registry sets standards to calculate, verify and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions.
(AFP)
