SriLankan on a roll to reduce carbon footprint
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In a practice to celebrate World Environm
ent Day, SriLankan Airlines has introduces a series of new tactical measures to double the awareness of critical importance of the good health of the planet, emphasising the importance of instilling a corporate and individual mind-set to be ‘environment conscious’.
Working together with the Aviation Authorities, and Sri Lanka’s Central Environmental Authority, the airline is engaging in discussions on eco-airport master plans and an environment policy for Sri Lanka’s aviation industry.
Future plans will include the establishment of engaging passengers in a carbon neutral scheme; establishing a highly fuel efficient fleet; eco-friendly procuring; engineering waste management system and developing the airline’s Carbon Neutral Programme.
‘Green’ initiatives include, Tree Planting and Plant Distribution campaigns; Children’s Art Competitions relating to Environment Conservation; Photography Competition highlighting Environmental Destruction; Special awareness campaigns directed at the airline’s employees in the global network; and Sponsorship of external programmes to create awareness for school children to think ‘Green’. The airline’s ‘Go Green Steering Committee’ is spearheading the campaigns this week.
Whether corporate or individual, the message is clear that the good health of the planet is everyone’s responsibility. Collectively, world airlines have pledged to halve emissions by 2050 as CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions from aviation currently account 2% of all global emissions with a prediction that it will reach 2.5% by 2050. IATA sends a strong message to all airlines to achieve zero emission aircraft operations, in 50 years.
SriLankan launched South Asia’s first ‘Planet Friendly Flight’ as an initial exemplary step towards influencing employees, customers and the general public to be collectively responsible for the environment and in what ways everyone could contribute to make a difference. A dedicated Environment Unit is constantly identifying areas of weight reduction on aircraft which has a considerable impact on fuel savings. The airline’s long-term intention is to transform all into ‘Planet Friendly’ flights.
