Green Issues
Eco-friendly TAP goes further
Portugese national carrier, TAP, has stepped up its eco efforts after receiving the UNESCO Planet Earth Award last year in recognition of its investment in environmental initiatives. Eco-friendly amenity kits were
introduced for Executive Class passengers in June and social/ environmental responsibility is now ranked alongside economic success in the airline’s list of priorities. TAP is targeting a reduction in
consumption and a cut in carbon emissions as its key aims and is involving all of its 7000 staff in the eco initatives. A dedicated environmental department has worked to raise awareness and introduce an internal recycling system presented to staff through a campaign entitled ActEco. Employees were given simple
practical actions they could take to help. These were designed to increase recycling and cut waste of paper, toners and packaging. It has proved highly successful. Organic waste has also been
cut and in partnership with IATA – International Air Transport
Association – TAP has launched an ambitious carbon off-setting programme. The programme gives passengers the opportunity to voluntarily off set their CO2 emissions. TAP is also now trying to cut fuel
consumption with investment in an ever more eco-friendly operation
Biofuels make a comeback
Global production of biofuels increased 17 per cent in 2010 to reach an all-time high of 105 billion litres according to research conducted by the Worldwatch Institute’s Climate and Energy Program. High oil prices, a global economic rebound, and new laws and mandates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States are all factors behind the surge in production
says the Institute. The United States and Brazil
are the two largest producers of ethanol with the US producing 57 per cent of global output. Corn is the primary ingredient for US ethanol, and sugarcane is the main source of ethanol in Brazil. “In the United States, the record production of biofuels is attributed in part to high oil prices, which encouraged several large fuel companies to enter the
ethanol industry,” said Alexander Ochs, director of Worldwatch’s Climate and Energy Programme. High oil prices were also a factor in Brazil, where every third car-owner drives a ‘flex-fuel’ vehicle that can run on either fossil or bio-based fuels. Many Brazilian drivers have switched to sugarcane ethanol because it is cheaper than gasoline. “Although the U.S. and Brazil are the world leaders in ethanol, the
largest producer of biodiesel is the European Union, which generated 53 per cent of all biodiesel in 2010,” said Ochs. “However, we may see some European countries switch from biodiesel to ethanol because a recent report from the European Commission states that ethanol crops have a higher energy content than biodiesel crops, making them more efficient sources of fuel.”
www.worldwatch.org
www.onboardhospitality.com 33
and in the modernisation of its fleet. Routes are being planned for greatest efficiency and loads carried onboard have been reviewed to cut weight. The airline has added six new Airbus A320s to its medium-range fleet since 2009, chosen for their eight per cent greater energy
efficiency than the previous model. They have helped the airline cut consumption by 700 tons a year. The long-haul fleet is scheduled to be operated by the new Airbus A350s by 2014, whose energy performance is 20 percent more efficient.
www.flytap.com
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