For the third time a global initiative called „Earth Hour” has taken place. The main goal of this action is to act against our planet biggest threat: climate change. This initiative calls for a one hour lighting blackout in our houses, companies and public buildings.

LOT Polish Airlines is actively involved in this year’s “Earth Hour” edition. On March 28th, for one hour the lighting inside and outside LOT headquarters was switched off, including the advertisement hoardings nearby. LOT has also promoted the initiative among the company’s partners and customers.

“LOT is a corporately responsible company. We do our best to minimize our company’s environmental impact. By joining the “Earth Hour” initiative, we can do even more for the future of our planet” – said LOT spokesman Wojciech Kadziolka.

LOT Polish Airlines, as an active member of many international organizations such as IATA, AEA and the largest global airline alliance, Star Alliance, supports all initiatives aimed at reducing the negative impact of human economic activity on the natural environment.

Acknowledging the significant impact of emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) on the warming of the Earth’s climate, LOT supports European initiatives aimed at largely reducing emissions of this gas to the atmosphere.

Among many factors which may significantly contribute to reduction of CO2 emissions by the air transport industry, the issue of improving the traffic capacity of airspace and airports seems to be of key importance and, if solved, should shorten flight times and reduce delays. The potential to be realized once this problem is resolved is estimated to save approx. 16 million tons of CO2 emissions on the scale of Europe (from 6 to 12% of all emissions) and not only carries the greatest benefit  in terms of environment protection, but will also markedly improve the punctuality and safety of airline operations.

That is why LOT is interested in the quick creation of the Single European Sky – a unified system of management of the European airspace – and will support all activities aimed at implementation of this concept.

We support the comprehensive Emissions Control Policy (ECP) based on four main pillars” technology development, improved airport infrastructure, operational enhancements and economic mechanisms (EU ETS). Additionally we subscribe to the opinion that economic mechanisms, in order to be fully effective, should be implemented globally so as not to disrupt free competition among airlines.

We attach great importance to the improvement of the environmental effectiveness of our fleet. The ongoing process of equipping LOT’s fleet with the Embraer 170, 175 and 190 aircraft featuring technological solutions that ensure reduced fuel consumption is one of the key elements of our policy to minimize CO2 emissions.

An important step ahead will be the addition of the long-distance Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets to our fleet in 2010. This technologically advanced aircraft with its many innovative design features will use 15-20% less fuel than today’s comparable airplanes. LOT will be the first European airline to operate the Dreamliner.

It must be stressed that so far LOT has achieved full compliance with the requirements resulting from the current environmental standards in all areas of its operations. Systematic assessments of our impact on the environment indicate that we meet the standards imposed by water licenses, permits for emissions of dust and gases (including halons) to the atmosphere as well as regulations concerning management of waste material, packaging waste and electrical and  electronic equipment.

The recent decision by the Company’s management to establish an organizational unit dealing specifically with environmental issues shows that we attach great importance to ecology.

The action plan for the forthcoming year provides for preparation of LOT for the implementation of the PN-EN ISO 14001:2005 environmental management standard as well as a special program which will give our passengers an opportunity to make voluntary contributions to compensate for carbon emissions (the so-called carbon offset). Funds obtained from such donations will be used to finance environmentally friendly projects that will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.

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