subject: Fractional Jet Company Set To Be Completely Carbon Neutral [print this page] Fractional Jet Company Set To Be Completely Carbon Neutral
NetJets, the world's largest and strongest private aviation company, has been actively pursuing an ambitious goal of being 100% carbon neutral by 2012. This aggressive commitment to eliminate any carbon footprint caused by its operation was initiated in 2007. The three basic strategies for achieving this environmentally responsible position have involved reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, improving overall efficiency of utility, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon offsetting.
Being "carbon neutral" refers to limiting or eliminating the production of new carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere. Since only reforestation projects can actually isolate carbon dioxide, finding practical ways to avoid creating more of it is the most accepted approach to dealing with this harmful greenhouse gas. While cars, lorries and other vehicles are the greatest offenders in this area, the aviation industry is also responsible for as much as 3% of global gas emissions.
NetJets, a company with over 800 private aircraft worldwide, is a leader in the fractional jet ownership market. While the concept originated in the US, popularity in the UK and the rest of Europe is rapidly increasing. The base premise, that owning a share in a jet saves unnecessary expense while still offering excellent service, can also be applied to NetJets' commitment to becoming carbon neutral. While air travel is absolutely essential in today's world, harming the world's atmosphere can be minimised with thoughtful and inventive flying options.
Sharing ownership does not mean sharing space in a private jet during flights. Rather, it means having an entire fleet available for transportation needs at a fraction of the cost of owning a corporate or private jet. As economic times have required more trimming of budget excesses, corporations, entrepreneurs and wealthier individuals are finding private jet rental to be an excellent solution to their travel needs.
The stated goal of becoming the first carbon-neutral private jet company in the business has required deliberate and planned activities for 100% achievement by 2012. Targeted reduction of fuel consumption levels and operational requirements had already decreased per-flight emissions by at least 6% by 2009. General office waste has also been reduced by 10%.
NetJets has also heavily invested in carbon offsetting. This has meant finding and buying into certified and verified Clean Development Mechanism projects that remove from the air the equivalent amount of greenhouse gas as that created by the company. The costs of these projects are then handed on as carbon credits to owners and partners who sign a five-year contract with NetJets. By 2009, the company had actively offset 62% of its carbon emissions, and the participation of share-owners had risen to 68%, which reflected about 50% of all flights. At these rates, the company is in an excellent position to achieve its stated goal of being 100% carbon-neutral by 2012.
Finally, NetJets has also invested heavily in a "green horizons" vision for creating future technologies and better alternative fuels to further impact and limit the carbon footprint of modern society. In addition to working continuously with an environmental advisory board and committee, the company sponsors a research project at Princeton University to develop ultra-low-emission jet fuels. NetJets is committed to doing whatever it takes to accept its share of personal responsibility for the current condition of the world environment. This sounds like the kind of company that's worth trusting with your business and your world.
