Carbon Offsets for Continental
The Airline Joins with Sustainable Travel Int'l. to Help Reduce CO2
Continental Airlines knows that reducing greenhouse gas will fight global warming. It joins with STI to purchase carbon offsets with a goal of being carbon neutral.
Say what you will about carbon offset programs - the idea of purchasing credits for CO2 emissions used for travel is really catching on. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions part of an admirable (and, many say, increasingly crucial) carbon neutral goal of forward-thinking members of the travel industry.
Luxury Travel has noted how the upscale Fairmont hotel chain is doing its part for sustainable travel, and now, Continental Airlines is, too. Continental is joining with Sustainable Travel International to buy carbon offsets for the company's sizable CO2 emissions.
Sustainable Travel International promotes environmentally responsible travel. STI will measure each of Continental's fuel consumption and provide funds for international carbon offset projects. These projects are verified by third-party sources as being legitimately beneficial to the environment in terms of global warming solutions and climate change.
Carbon offset programs help the travel industry move a little closer to being carbon neutral, but of course, travel (especially air travel) emits quite a lot of CO2. Carbon offsets can help airlines reduce their environmental impact. Continental Airlines is continuing to show, through its actions, that as a company it is committed to reduce greenhouse gases. Unlike a consumer choice of buying hybrid cars, at this point the airline industry is technologically not able to dramatically reduce emissions or be completely carbon neutral. Buying carbon credits is a great alternative; it is, also, part of Continental Airline's bigger philosophy of sustainability.
As relayed in its in-flight magazine, Continental Magazine (2007), the airline is already continuing to promote environmental responsibility:
- Continental has invested over 12 billion dollars in buying 270 relatively fuel-efficient airplanes.
- These airplanes already have reduced the airline company's CO2 emissions by almost 35%.
- All Continental airplanes are twin engine aircraft, which according to Continental Magazine emit less greenhouse gases than three- and four-engine planes.
- The airline has installed more efficient fan blades (GE90 3D Aero Blades) on its Boeing 777 engines, reducing carbon dioxide on all its long-haul planes.
- Continental has committed more than 9 billion dollars in new fuel-efficient technologies for airplanes and ground equipment through 2013.
Continental Airlines partnering with Sustainable Travel International is another great decision. Clearly, there is a reason for the airline company landing on Fortune magazine's 2007 World's Most Admired list in the social/environmental category. Continental Airlines goes above and beyond what would be required by the Kyoto Treaty protocols (had the United States had signed that treaty to fight climate change, but that's another issue).
The travel industry is responding to customer desires for more sustainable vacations. When planning a great trip overseas, consider flying responsibly. Vacations are a luxury, but doing one's part to leave a lighter carbon footprint is just common sense.
Related, on Suite 101:
Luxury Eco Travel Destinations
Carbon Offset Program for Travel
