Eco-Awareness – Before and After Every Flight
Naturally, KLM meets all relevant environmental regulations – in the air and on the ground. But we want to do more than just obey the law. Our accord with the government to reduce energy consumption by 20% within ten years, underscores this ambition. This accord follows on from a previous agreement which saw KLM reducing energy consumption by more than 45% in 15 years.
Moreover, we use 100% green, hydroelectric energy for our ground operations. With a volume of 100,000 Mwh, this curbs our CO2 emissions considerably. To monitor the efficacy of our environmental policy and to bring about improvements, we have a “plan-do-check-act” cycle. This ensures that all of our business activities – in the air and on the ground – are ISO 14001 certified.
Greener Red Diesel
Vehicles that do not drive on public roads, such as ramp vehicles, run on sulfur-free fuel, etc.
Soot Filters on Ground Power Units
We have fitted soot filters on all our ground power units – the diesel generators that provide electrical power to aircraft on the ground. These filters remove 95% of all soot emissions.
Driving On Air
May 2009 will see the start of a pilot project at KLM Engineering & Maintenance in Schiphol-East, involving three vehicles that operate on compressed air and are able to carry persons and light cargo. These vehicles have zero emissions. The Airpods will be tested for usability, safety, occupational health, efficiency, reliability and maintenance. This pilot project will help to decide whether the Airpods will replace some of the division’s diesel-driven vehicles.
Public Transport
Our staff also contribute to improving the environment on the ground. A mobility survey revealed that 34.4% of KLM employees who live in the Schiphol area make use of public transport. That is well above the national average of 15%.
Cycling is not only healthy but also environmentally friendly. This is why KLM developed a special bike for its staff. It is meant for daily use. Staff can use it to commute to work, or use it to get from place to place around the KLM and Schiphol locations.
Always Ambitious
We remain ambitious, always staying a step ahead. The KLM Crown Lounge at Schiphol, opened in September 2008 is a good example of an energy-sparing building. It features a sun canopy and insulated glass with a high reflection factor. It uses modern, low-energy fluorescent lighting. And, sensors will reduce the lighting as external daylight increases. Heat recycling in the ventilation system will require less heating of the air. And the warm air removed from the space will be used to heat shower water.
Waste to energy
Traditionally waste and energy is managed centrally, and transport of waste produced CO2 emissions. Now waste treatment is elevated to a whole new level at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. GlobalGreenInternational is developing a concept in collaboration with KLM Caterings Services and other partners to convert waste into energy. Learn here more about the concept.
The Earth As Thermos Flask
Using our geothermal exchange system, we can store energy surpluses deep in the earth for the next season. The earth acts as a kind of thermos flask. The geothermal exchange system stores a surplus of cold in a watery layer in the earth and can be used in the summer for cooling. Conversely, we can store heat for heating in the winter. Pumps are used to drive the stored energy into the earth and back up again.
