Geotourism Challenge Finalist: NatureAir 100% Carbon Neutral Airline

Since 2004, NatureAir, based in San Jose Costa Rica, has been synonymous with a 100% carbon neutral aviation program. Making it the first airline to create a program of such magnitude. NatureAir offsets 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions to encourage reforestation of tropical forests in southern Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity zones of the Osa Peninsula. To date NatureAir has compensated for nearly 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide though the protection of more than 500 acres of tropical forests, offsetting more than 6,000 tons of carbon emissions each year. In addition, NatureAir recently helped develop Costa Rica’s first alternative fueling station through it wholly owned fueling company, Aerotica. NatureAir fuels all ground equipment and vehicles with bio-diesel (a mix of recycled vegetable and cooking oils), collected from airline employees and local restaurants. It’s estimated this biodegradable fuel will reduce roughly 160 tones of CO2 emissions per year. The fuel costs five cents more per gallon but the sustainable impact to the environment makes it a worthwhile investment, according to NatureAir. These projects also provide other benefits, such as improved biodiversity through forestry projects and contribution to the renewable energy industry.

 

NatureAir is one of the only airline companies to automatically offset a traveler’s flight, carbon offsetting is not voluntary. NatureAir’s vision is to conserve resources, protect the environment and keep the air we breathe cleaner and healthier. Climate change is a big problem facing our planet today, and preserving our forests remains a key part of the solution.

 

The airline industry contributes an estimated 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. At the end of the day, flying results in the emission of greenhouse gases no matter how efficient NatureAir is. Offsetting is an option that enables NatureAir to compensate for these emissions through government recognized environmental projects. For every ounce of carbon produced NatureAir purchases carbon credits from the government’s pioneering for environmental services payment program governed by the forestry department (FONAFIFO).

 

Furthermore, to help limit its emissions NatureAir uses a twin-engine fleet, conducts extensive flight crew training, improves flight plans regularly and schedules flight so that long taxi waits are avoided before take off. These adjustments improved its fuel efficiency by 7% in three years. Currently NatureAir is working towards an additional reduction of emissions by 4% per aircraft in 2010.