Company 'Greener' Even As Airplane Deliveries Increase

In its annual Environmental Report released last  Thursday, Boeing says it made significant improvements in its environmental performance, even as total airplane deliveries increased by 50 percent from 2007 to 2012.

Boeing's manufacturing and office employees consumed less energy and water, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, generated less hazardous waste and sent less solid waste to landfills. The environmental progress came during a time when Boeing also opened a major new manufacturing facility in North Charleston, SC, and created more than 13,000 new jobs.

Highlights of the 2013 report include:

• On a revenue-adjusted basis, Boeing facilities reduced hazardous waste by 33 percent, carbon dioxide emissions by 26 percent, energy use by 21 percent, and water intake by 20 percent since 2007. Measured on an absolute basis, the reductions equate to 18 percent for hazardous waste, 9 percent for carbon dioxide emissions, 3 percent for energy use and 2 percent for water intake. In 2012, 79 percent of the solid waste Boeing generated was diverted from landfills — a 36 percent improvement since 2007.
• Over the five-year period, the reductions in carbon dioxide emissions that Boeing achieved would be equal to taking 87,000 cars off the road for one year.
• Boeing is committed to zero carbon growth by 2017, while continuing to increase aircraft production.
• The 737 MAX, currently in development, features a 13 percent smaller carbon footprint than today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes.
• The 787 Dreamliner is 20 percent more fuel-efficient than other airplanes of comparable size and is the environmental benchmark for the aerospace industry.
• In 2012, Boeing completed the first ecoDemonstrator project, designed to speed development of environmentally progressive products, materials and designs.
• Boeing leads global collaboration to reduce chemicals used in aerospace products and improve the efficiency of the global air traffic network, which will significantly reduce emissions.

"Five years ago, we set ambitious goals to reduce our environmental footprint while significantly growing our business. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of everyone at Boeing, that's what we accomplished, and we are ready to make more progress in the years ahead," said Kim Smith, the company's vice president of Environment, Health and Safety.

FMI: www.boeing.com/environment