Recycling Boost Among Efforts To "Green" Operations

On the same day the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced plans to create a committee tasked with improving GA's impact on the enviroment, the world's largest GA manufacturer also announced plans to go "greener."

Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton announced Friday the establishment of the Cessna Environmental Strategy Council, to assess the company's impact on the environment and to formalize initiatives to minimize that impact. The council is comprised of representatives from every part of the company.

"This is an important part of our long-term strategy," Pelton said. "We are looking at boosting our efforts in recycling -- both personal and industrial -- conserving energy, aircraft operations and aircraft design."

The council is looking at how the company interfaces with the environment, with the goal of developing an action plan to lessen Cessna's impact on the environment. The effort will also reach out to Cessna's employees, encouraging them to embrace an environment-friendly approach to their everyday lives.

Pelton said Cessna is coordinating with industry and government groups, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Business Aviation Association.

Cessna already is thinking green in a number of ways: recycling materials such as aluminum and paper, designing lighter airplanes to complete the same mission and working with suppliers -- especially engine makers -- to develop more efficient systems.

"We have long been committed to improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of our products. We intend to intensify that effort, through our strategy of continuous improvement," Pelton said.

Earlier this year, Pelton was appointed by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to chair the state's Energy and Environmental Policy Advisory Group.

FMI: www.cessna.com