Reports Lower Energy Consumption, CO2 Emissions, Water Use In Manufacture Of Aircraft

While increasing airplane production, the Boeing Company says it has generated year-over-year improvements in environmental performance, according to its annual Environment Report released Tuesday. At manufacturing and office locations in 2010, Boeing says it consumed less energy, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and water intake, and generated less hazardous waste compared to the previous year.

"Boeing has taken up the challenge to make our products, services and operations ever more environmentally progressive," said Mary Armstrong, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety. "As we accelerate these environmental improvements, we continue to pursue new game-changing possibilities."

Highlights of the report include:

• Boeing facilities reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 28 percent, energy use by 30 percent, hazardous-waste generation by 44 percent and water intake by 41 percent since 2002, measured on a revenue-adjusted basis. On an absolute basis, not adjusted for revenue, all four areas of environmental performance improved in 2010 compared to 2009.
• The company's two newest airplanes – the 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8, both scheduled to enter commercial service later this year – will be more fuel-efficient with a much smaller carbon and noise footprint than the airplanes they replace.
• Environmental thinking is showcased at the company's new South Carolina site, which will be powered completely by renewable energy, including solar panels that will cover the roof of the 787 assembly building. The site is one of four Boeing facilities that will send zero non-hazardous solid waste to landfills.
• Boeing's leadership role in bringing together agricultural, industry and research interests around the globe to create the infrastructure needed to develop a sustainable aviation biofuels industry. Made from renewable resources that do not compete with food crops for land or water, sustainable biofuels reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
• Boeing's commitment to invest more than 75 percent of its Commercial Airplanes research and development efforts on improving the environmental performance of jetliners.

FMI: www.boeing.com/environment