July 18, 2018
Making choices that are sustainable isn’t just about being a good corporate citizen, but about tapping into what is important to customers, said Aaron Robinson, Senior Manager — Environmental Strategy and Sustainability for United Airlines.
United’s focus on sustainability is the reason that United received a 2017 Port of Seattle Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Performance for sustainability efforts at Sea-Tac International Airport. Through the global airline’s Eco-Skies program, United is making a difference on both a local and global level. Eco- Skies has been around a little more than 10 years and focuses on fuel efficiency and carbon management, sustainable travel products and services, alternative fuels, and partners in sustainability.
United Airlines added three new pieces of electric ground support equipment (GSE) at Sea-Tac Airport in 2017, bringing the total up to 22 electric GSE. GSE is used on the ramp to service aircraft between flights. This change saved 20,000 gallons of fuel and cut 217 greenhouse gas emissions. 
United also converted their Sea-Tac air cargo facility to include LED lighting, which saved 124,000 kilowatt hours and $14,000 in one year. The airline has also made significant investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel and reduced greenhouse gasses through in-flight operation and recycling. Robinson said the airline also started a bird relocation program on the East coast, emulating the Port of Seattle’s Raptor Strike Avoidance program.
Robinson said investing in the environment just makes sense.
“Biofuels reduce our dependence on the price volatility of oil and are beneficial from a customer reputation perspective. Customers are worried about their carbon footprint so we are taking steps to work on the issue.”
Companywide, United has 3,400 pieces of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) powered by electricity rather than conventional fuel. Today 38 percent of United’s eligible GSE fleet has been electrified.
Jeff Barrow, United Airlines Senior Supervisor and Environmental Coordinator for Sea-Tac Airport and Portland International Airport, said environmental stewardship is extremely important for the company because its employees are a part of the communities where it operates.
“We all live, work, and have families in the areas where United operates,” he said. “We use waters of the state. Doing all we can do at work not only protects us but our family and friends at home. It’s the right thing to for all of us to do.”
We all live, work, and have families in the areas where United operates.
No one wants to do the wrong thing, but it’s important to educate employees to the make sure they are making sustainable decisions, Barrow said.
“We’re getting better and better,” he said. “The key is you can’t give up. Keep talking it up, lead by example, go out and work with people and show them the right way to do things.”
