Airbus’ commitment as a leader in reducing the air transport industry’s environmental impact is being highlighted during daily presentations by company managers at the Singapore Airshow’s “Green Pavilion” exhibit.

Its corporate strategy – which is based on a life-cycle approach encompassing the full spectrum from design, manufacturing, operations and supply chain involvement to the responsible disposal of aircraft at end-of-life – is detailed in briefings held at 15h30 at the main exhibit hall’s Green Pavilion.

Included in the daily presentation is information on Airbus’ blue5 programme, which is drawing a roadmap for reducing the environmental footprint of Airbus own operations by the year 2020. Its targets include a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption; 50 percent reductions in CO2 emissions, VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, and waste/water production; along with an 80 percent reduction in water discharge.

One very visible example Airbus’ steps that will contribute to its blue5 programme’s goals is the company’s newest final assembly line in Toulouse, France, which currently is gearing up for A350 XWB production. This is the “greenest” of any final assembly facility built by Airbus, and it makes extensive use of natural lighting for reduced electricity consumption, while half of the flat roof surface (22,000 sq. meters) is fitted with photovoltaic solar panels. As a result, the building will produce 55 percent of its own energy needs.

Airbus press release