 Home > About Continental > Global Citizenship > Commitment to the Environment
 See details of our Carbon Offset Program.
Global climate change is an important issue and Continental Airlines recognizes that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is everyone's responsibility. Certainly, we do not have all the answers, but we have taken decisive steps to incorporate environmental stewardship into our culture.
One such step is the creation of our corporate initiative, Eco-Skies™. Under the Eco-Skies banner, we seek ways to help minimize our carbon footprint and encourage our customers and suppliers to do the same. By doing so, we are certain to maintain a keen awareness of the environmental impact of our business and the effect it has on the future of us all.
See facts on how Continental is promoting environmental responsibility within its fleet, operations and procedures, ground services and facilities (PDF 700KB).
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Background Information on Continental and the Environment
Our Fleet
Today, Continental is 38 percent more fuel efficient for every mile a passenger flies than in 1997. In order to further reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency, we will continue to invest in efficient and advanced aircraft technology. We will also continue to apply responsible operating procedures to further reduce the impact of our fleet on the environment. Furthermore, we will work with national and international governments to improve air traffic control systems so that aircraft routings will result in fewer emissions.
Our Ground Equipment
Continental is committed to using electric rather than fossil-fuel-powered ground equipment wherever feasible. At our Houston hub, we have been using electric ground equipment since 2002 and we reduced our emissions from ground equipment approximately 75 percent in 2007. We operate certified Low Emission Vehicles in many locations and continue our proactive implementation of electric ground equipment throughout our operating system as opportunities arise. We are also testing the use of alternative fuel and fuel additives for ground service equipment.
Our Facilities
Continental is committed to constructing our airport facilities according to the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star standards when feasible. As part of LEED, Continental will integrate high-efficiency components into facilities and implement programs to conserve energy, save natural resources, reduce emissions and minimize the impact on the environment.
Energy
Continental supports a balanced and comprehensive national energy policy that increases U.S. energy independence, is climate-friendly, and results in a more predictable and stable energy supply and costs. Continental is committed to the development of alternative fuels as part of a national energy policy that will promote energy sources other than crude oil, freeing up crude oil for those solely dependent on it until technology evolves. Continental is working with industry partners to develop alternative jet fuels that are safe, economically viable, and more environmentally friendly than today’s fuels and can be available in reliable quantities.
Cultural Awareness
Continental recognizes that the preservation of the environment is an essential part of our business practices. We are committed to promoting a culture that is focused on being environmentally sensitive as we work with our employees, customers, suppliers, industry organizations and the communities we serve in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In 2010, American Forest & Paper Association awarded Continental the Business Leadership Recycling Award.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment Program presented Continental an Environmental Stewardship Award for using a more environmentally friendly pretreatment in its aircraft painting process.
FORTUNE magazine recognized Continental as one of 10 "Green Giants", corporations whose environmental policies go beyond what is required.
In 2007, FORTUNE magazine named Continental one of the top ten global companies across all industries in the Community/Environment category on its list of Global Most Admired Companies.
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