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» HAS Newsroom
By The Houston Airport System
April 23, 2008
Taking one additional step towards environmental responsibility, the Houston Airport System (HAS), today, in partnership with Airports Council International (ACI) signed a Declaration on Climate Change at the Aviation and Environment Summit being held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Organized by Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), this third annual summit seeks to strengthen the international aviation industry’s commitment to positive environmental impacts. ATAG is an independent coalition of organizations and companies throughout the air transport industry that have united to drive aviation infrastructure improvements in an environmentally-responsible manner.
Airports Council International is the leading international trade group of the world’s commercial aviation industry, based in Geneva, and was also one of the participating organizations – along with the Houston Airport System.
“In signing up to the declaration, The Houston Airport System has reaffirmed its commitment to the environment,” says Rick Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “We will work with all players across the industry to target carbon-neutral growth as a step towards a carbon-free future for aviation.”
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions and their effects is the primary purpose of this declaration. Although the aviation industry only accounts for 2 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, today’s declaration was designed to demonstrate and strengthen the industry’s commitment to introducing technological, operational and efficiency advances to reduce its impact.
“Airports around the world are already implementing energy efficient operations; this Declaration further demonstrates aviation’s coordinated efforts in tackling environmental challenges,” explains Robert J. Aaronson, director general of the global trade association of airport executives, Airport Council International. “All sectors of society, business, governments, and individuals have a role to play in addressing climate change. This Declaration confirms aviation’s intention to grow and contribute to economies, in a sustainable way.”
So far the aviation industry has already reduced the amount of annual carbon dioxide emissions from 6 percent to 3 percent, according to ACI. The focus now is to reduce the 3 percent to zero by focusing on investing in technology, flying aircraft more effectively, building and operating efficient infrastructure, and using more positive economic measures.
Copyright © 2008 - Houston Airport System
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