Environmental Stewardship is a responsibility Southwest takes seriously, and efficient operations are the hallmark of our Company and the foundation of our environmental commitment. Efficiency means effective use of resources (energy, people, and materials), and we strive to be as productive as possible while minimizing waste and protecting the Earth.
Over the decades, Southwest has been at the forefront of such efficiencies as paperless tickets, quick aircraft turnarounds, installation of winglets, and, more recently, the installation of fleet-wide advanced avionics. This focus on efficiency not only makes good business sense, it is the right thing to do.
The Green Plane is an innovative idea that marries efficiency, environmentally responsible products, Customer comfort, and reduced waste and weight – it is a flying testament to our philosophy that environmental decisions make good business sense. All these initiatives combined will equate to a weight savings of almost five pounds per seat, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions, along with adding recyclable elements to our cabin interior and reducing waste.
Elements of this plane include:
InterfaceFlor Carpet - reduces labor and material costs because it is laid in carpet squares, thus eliminating the total replacement of areas such as aisles. The carpet is totally recyclable and the manufacturing process is dedicated to being completely carbon neutral.
Seat covers - offers more than twice the durability than the current leather seats as well as a weight savings per seat of almost two pounds. They are recyclable and have an environmentally- friendly manufacturing process.
Life Vest Pouch - more environmentally friendly because it offers a weight savings of one pound per passenger. The smaller pouch creates more room under the seat for carryon items.
Foam Fill - A lighter weight fill from Garnier PURtec in the back of the seats that reduces weight while providing increased customer comfort.
Wind Screen - bulkhead product that lasts longer than the current leather product, thus reducing labor costs and waste.
Aisle Rub Strips - switching from plastic to aluminum will help with durability, which reduces waste, as well as being recyclable.
Southwest is committed to continuing to lead the industry in emissions reductions through fuel efficiency. Efficiency in fuel consumption benefits our Company, as well as the environment, and this has been part of our business model since the beginning. Southwest has maintained our position as an industry leader in fuel efficiency and GHG reductions through comprehensive programs of reinvestment in equipment and technological innovation and partnerships with industry and government.
As we look to the future, we know climate change remains of vital importance to our industry, our Company, and our Customers, so Southwest works hard every day in every area to be a responsible steward of the environment.
Recycling And Waste Recovery: Southwest is implementing a more robust, systemwide recycling program. This systemwide co-mingled recycling program will take our current recycling efforts to the next level. By identifying opportunities to reduce, eliminate, or recover energy from our waste streams, we improve our waste management efficiencies and divert a substantial amount of material from landfills.
Water Conservation: Water is one of our most valuable resources and reducing our consumption is important to Southwest Airlines. We implement water savings ideas, including low flow water saving plumbing, auto shutoff water faucets, meeting LEED™ standards for efficient water use at new facilities, landscaping with native and drought-tolerant plants, and recycling the water used in our engine wash program. Along with reducing our water use, it is important that we keep water sources pure and support pollution prevention by reducing the chance of contamination.
Energy Savings: We are committed to pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) standards in new construction. By taking steps to reduce the amount of energy we consume, and to purchase our energy from renewable resources. We are proud to be a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Leadership Club for our purchase of renewable energy credits.
Noise Reduction: Southwest strives to be a good neighbor in every community we serve. We have taken steps to mitigate noise by ensuring our entire fleet meets current aircraft noise standards. The addition of our winglets and engine modifications have yielded a quieter aircraft that creates less noise when taking off and landing, plus our Pilots typically use noise abatement procedures that enable us to minimize noise impact in communities near the airports we serve.
For more information on how Southwest does the right thing for the environment, go to http://www.southwest.com/cares