Highlights from around the Virgin Group
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is continuing to evaluate more efficient ways of operating our existing fleet of aircraft, until the manufacturers can develop technological solutions to reducing carbon emissions such as innovative aircraft design or viable alternative fuels.
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Putting planes on a diet - to remove any extraneous weight (and the fuel needed to fly it around) from aircraft.
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Other initiatives - working with other sectors of the industry to develop models of best practice that can be adopted globally. Initiatives such as "Continuous Descent Approach" which needs the cooperation of many different companies and organisations.
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All key UK office sites are run on renewable energy. Extending this across all ground operations is being considered.
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Work is underway to inspire and engage customers on the subject of climate change, to empower them to understand what they can do to reduce the impacts of their lifestyle on the environment. Offset projects are being investigated, which customers and other fliers can support, to neutralise their flights, as part of a larger campaign to empower them to reduce their footprint.
Virgin Atlantic are also campaigning for a Single European Sky which, by providing more direct air traffic control routeings over Europe, would have a dramatic impact on reducing carbon emissions and allowing aircraft to operate more efficiently. Like the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, of which they are also a big supporter, this will need international cooperation and should be treated as a matter of priority by all governments.
For more information about Virgin Atlantic's Sustainability Challenge click here|
Virgin Limited Edition
Virgin Limited Edition has also made a commitment to minimise environmental impact in their global operations. Significant progress has been made over the past year and there are great plans for the coming year.
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Roof Gardens plan to install solar panels, rainwater butts and infra-red radiant outdoor heaters in order to reduce energy consumption and conserve water. They are also making great efforts to include more organic and locally produced foods on their menu.
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The Kasbah, Morocco has installed solar panels as part of their environmental strategy and has seen an average monthly reduction of 40% in energy consumption so far. The Kasbah employs over 90% of its people from the local community, and this year is investigating initiatives to increase biodiversity in the local area.
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The Lodge –Verbier, due to open its doors in December 2007, will be the most luxurious rentable chalet of its size (12,500 sq ft) that the Alps has to offer. They have made a lot of effort to ensure eco-practices are followed. All the old timber used in the renovation is from reclaimed sources, all fire wood will be from a sustainable source, energy saving light bulbs and timer systems will be in place, recycling facilities will be incorporated, local food suppliers will be used and the majority of food will be locally produced.
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Virgin's Game Reserve in Ulusaba, South Africa has worked with a sustainable energy engineer to look into renewable energy technologies and the potential installation of a green energy system at the nearby new airstrip terminal.
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Necker Island aims to eliminate waste going to landfill through a combination of recycling and possible incineration. They are researching alternative energy (including wind, solar and wave power) as well as biodegradable and eco-friendly products for the their guests. These plans will make Richard's island the most fuel-efficient island in the world.