Following a number of reporting programs to establish a greater understanding of their environmental imprint, QANTAS then utilized this information to set goals for reducing the impact it has on the planet.
In 2007 QANTAS set electricity, water and waste reduction targets. In between the years of 2009 and 2014 electricity consumption was reduced by 9%, water by 11% and wastage by 20%. These goals were then further upgraded in 2011.
By 2020 the airline intends to reduce electricity, water and waste usage by 20%. QANTAS also intends to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% each year and cut net emissions by 50% by 2050.
The organisation is the first Australian airline to operate a commercial flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The company also has partnerships with The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, North Kimberley Fire Abatement project and Ngati Awa Heritage Estate. The carrier has made sustainability a priority and as such in 2015 has been recognised as an ABA100 Winner for Sustainability in The Australian Business Awards.
Qantas Head of Group Fuel and Environment, Alan Milne, said of winning The Australian Business Award for Sustainability “We are thrilled to be recognised as a leader in sustainability through The Australian Business Awards.
“At Qantas, sustainability is integral to our business and we have made a commitment to our customers, employees, shareholders and the broader community that we will continue to focus on reducing our environmental impact and increase our understanding of emerging global environmental and social trends to find opportunities for our business.”
