In November 2019, easyJet announced that it would offset carbon emissions from the fuel used for every flight across its network as part of its ongoing commitment to reduce carbon emissions. To support this, the airline partnered with egi:live communications to create a space at the 2020 Business Travel Show which was 100% sustainable for every element of the process from brief to design, build to delivery and recycling, with the aim of reducing as many consumption and waste elements as possible.

 This approach was used for every stage of the process and even prototype designs were made from recycled materials. The result was a 100% sustainable exhibition space, with all core elements sourced from sustainable materials which were reused or recycled at the close of the show.

 

 Jane Ashton, easyJet’s Director of Sustainability, commented:

 “At easyJet we are continually looking at all parts of our operation to see where we can reduce emissions and reduce waste.   

 “We know that sustainability is an important issue for our business customers across Europe and we are delighted to have received this award, which highlights our commitment to exploring how we can operate sustainably across all areas of our business.  

 “It is a priority for us at easyJet to continue to work on reducing our carbon footprint in the short term which means that we are offsetting 100% of our organisational carbon footprint through Gold Standard- and VCS-certified projects. This is coupled with long-term work to support partners including Airbus and Wright Electric in the development of new technologies to radically reduce the carbon footprint of aviation.”

 

Hilary Edwards, Project Director at egi:live communications commented:

“It is always an exciting experience to work with easyJet who are open to innovative ideas and challenge us to be the best that we can be.  The easyJet stand at the 2020 Business Travel Show cut through the noise by being bold and broke the mould by being 100% sustainable. 

“We are delighted that this unique approach has been recognised and are committed to supporting easyJet and all of our clients on their vital sustainability journey.”

 

The winning stand

The main structure was produced from 100% recyclable high strength card. The floor was created from a re-constituted timber panel. Graphics were either printed directly to the board, reducing material consumption or were printed to recyclable overlay material. Lighting was fully LED and re-used and recycled from previous events reducing manufacturing CO2. The furniture was re-used hired stock and bespoke card stools and squabs. The stools were covered in a recyclable cotton fabric padded with natural kapock filling sourced from approved growers mounted on 100% recyclable card tubes. Transport, manpower and construction footprint were also reduced by the use of lighter, sustainable materials as the production process needs less to move it and cut, saw and fix.

 

Since last November, easyJet is the first major airline to operate carbon neutral flights across its whole network. The airline is achieving this goal by offsetting the carbon emissions from the fuel used for all of its flights. The airline sees this as an interim measure until new technology becomes available to decarbonise aviation.

In 2019 easyJet and Airbus announced a joint research project on hybrid and electric aircraft in order to further the industry’s understanding of the operational and infrastructure opportunities and challenge of the next generation of aircraft. Work continues with Airbus on three work packages to set and define the impacts and requirements necessary for the large-scale introduction of next generation sustainable aircraft on infrastructure and operations.

This summer has seen more technological breakthroughs including the first battery-powered all-electric, zero-emission plane certified by EASA – the Pipistrel Velis Electro, in Slovenia and the UK’s first successful test flight of a six-seater electric aircraft which took place at Cranfield Airport.  Alongside its partnership with Airbus, easyJet continues to also work with US start-up Wright Electric which is working on an all-electric passenger jet.

In the meantime, easyJet remains focused on operating its fleet as efficiently as possible using modern, fuel efficient engines which are quieter and burn less fuel. Since 2000 easyJet has reduced the carbon emissions for each kilometre flown by a passenger by over one-third (33.67%) and has a target to reach a 38% reduction by 2022.

For further information, please contact the easyJet Press Office on 01582 525252 or visit www.easyjet.com/mediacentre

For further information on egi:live communications please contact  hilary@egilive.com or visit www.egilive.com

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