Setting Goals for Greener Operations

Boeing has committed to environmental and climate change policies that promote

environmental stewardship, including energy and resource conservation, pollution

prevention, recycling and waste reduction. By 2010, Boeing is aiming for a 25

percent improvement in solid waste recycling rates, energy efficiency, lowered

greenhouse gas emissions and reduced hazardous waste at all of its major

manufacturing facilities. Boeing’s emphasis on environmental stewardship

extends to its products as well. The company aims to improve fuel efficiency and

greenhouse gas emissions for each new generation of airliners by a minimum of

15 percent, and is directing more than 75 percent of research and development

toward better environmental performance.

Measuring Progress on Environmental Goals

Two years into Boeing’s 5-year environmental performance plan, the company

has already achieved remarkable results. In 2008, Boeing actually out-performed

its plan by increasing its recycling rates from 58 percent to 64 percent. A goal to

reduce hazardous waste generation was exceeded by 24 percent, while energy

efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions targets were exceeded by 2 percent each.

A number of energy conservation projects have earned Boeing praise and awards

including a Clean Air Award from the city of Wichita, Kansas for reducing annual

electric consumption by more than 85 percent at Boeing offices. In addition,

Boeing’s Houston facility received Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design (LEED) Gold certification in December of 2009 for meeting stringent

requirements in the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Other

environmental efforts recognized on a local and national level include A Crystal

Cabin Award for Boeing’s concept to replace standard aircraft carpeting with 100

percent recyclable carpet tiles and Green Flag awards from the Port of Long

Beach for reducing carbon emissions from ships.