Over the last 10 years, Boeing has reduced absolute energy use by 37 percent and hazardous waste by 52 percent.*
Reductions in hazardous waste were driven by more efficient, Lean+ manufacturing methods, such as kitting chemicals to reduce excess waste and expired material; using more environmentally progressive materials, such as a low solvent top-coat painting to reduce the amount of solvent used in painting processes; and improving material management systems.
Our energy conservation efforts, driven by reduced demand for production requirements, investments in more efficient building systems and equipment at our sites, Lean+ methods to reduce consumption and waste, and employee awareness campaigns highlighting behavioral conservation opportunities, significantly reduced our energy consumption.
It’s a good start, but we are committed to doing much more.
That’s why we have established five-year targets to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions intensity and hazardous waste and to increase recycling rates. By 2012 at our major manufacturing facilities, we are targeting 25 percent improvement goals for solid waste recycling rates, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions intensity; and we have set a comparable goal for hazardous waste reduction. This equates to an absolute 1 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, hazardous waste and energy use and an improvement in recycling rates from about 60 percent to 75 percent of solid waste during a time of significant growth. While aggressive, these targets are achievable and will ensure that we hold waste and emissions down while growing our business. To achieve these, we must drive environmental thinking and action into every facet of our business.
Our commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond our operations to our products. Boeing Commercial Airplanes has committed to continue our dedication to environmental design innovation by:
*Normalized for the divestiture of the Wichita site.