HAS is North America's first Carbon Neutral Airline
2007-10-09
Harbour Air Ltd, the world’s largest all-seaplane airline, announced that it has pledged to become completely carbon neutral by the end of 2007. Starting October 1, 2007, Harbour Air began purchasing high quality carbon offsets to mitigate the climate impact of all scheduled service, charter and tour operations. This made Harbour Air the first air carrier of any variety in North America and the only seaplane airline in the world to make all of its flight services 100% carbon neutral. This year to date, Harbour Air has contributed over $15,000 to carbon neutral programs and is further pledging to offset its corporate emissions to become the first carrier in the world to achieve complete carbon neutrality in all aspects of its business.
Harbour Air Seaplanes will institute a policy to track, reduce, and offset its corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by January 1, 2008. This venture was created in partnership with Vancouver-based Offsetters Climate Neutral Society. Offsetters.ca is Canada’s pre-eminent provider of high quality carbon offsets for individuals and companies seeking to reduce or eliminate their climate impact. It is a not-for-profit company that invests funds from Harbour Air and other clients into renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that would not have taken place without its involvement. Funds generated from this partnership will be used to initiate offset projects within Harbour Air’s operating area. Greg McDougall, CEO of Harbour Air Seaplanes, said: “One of Harbour Air’s core values is to always do the right thing. I firmly believe that reducing the impact our company has on the environment is exactly that. Everyone’s talking about climate change and I am proud our seaplane company from British Columbia, Canada is leading the charge in taking action to address it. It is my hope that other airlines follow our lead. Simply put, it doesn’t take much and the benefits are huge.” Dr. James Tansey, CEO of Offsetters.ca, said: “Harbour Air is taking bold steps to get in front of the curve on the crucial issue of climate change. For innovative companies, taking responsibility for reducing and offsetting their climate impact will be a benefit rather than a cost. Clearly, Harbour Air is such a company.” Harbour Air Seaplanes is already the most climate friendly way for one passenger to travel between Vancouver Island and the Mainland (versus ferry, jet, helicopter, or twin engine seaplane). It is committed to further reducing its climate impacts and then purchasing offsets for what it cannot eliminate.
For more information on this story, please contact:
Randy Wright, Senior Vice President
Harbour Air Seaplanes
rwright@harbourair.com
250.414.4225
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