The National Air Transportation Association has unveiled a new sustainability initiative, the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses, to provide aviation businesses and airports with a self-certification process for pursuing flexible, cost-effective options to lower their carbon footprint.

This free industry standard has been designed by a working group under NATA's Environment Committee to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of more environmentally friendly energy sources, reduce waste and encourage sustainability operation-wide.

“When NATA established our Environment Committee about a year ago, developing a self-certification sustainability standard for our membership was a top priority,” explains NATA president and CEO Timothy Obitts. “We sincerely thank the committee, our members and the working group for their foresight and dedication in developing a standard that facilitates continuous operational and industry improvement. Aviation businesses have been an important part of the sustainability movement, and this standard provides a means to recognise their efforts and commitment.”

The standard is voluntary, flexible in both implementation and certification methods, operationally focused and consistent with existing environmental and sustainability standards for establishing and reducing a company's carbon footprint.

“The NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses was designed to encourage more aviation businesses and airports onto the path to sustainability, assist them throughout their journey and serve as a foundation for future enhancements,” adds NATA working group chairman Patrick Moylan, a senior associate with FBO Partners. “The standard is part of a living document, evolving with the needs of the industry.”

Working group member companies comprise FBO Partners, JRMA, Clay Lacy, World Fuel Services, 4Air and Jet Aviation. Clay Lacy, Atlantic Aviation, 4Air, Sun Air Jets, TAC Air, Gary Jet Center and Maven by Midfield all tested the programme and provided feedback.