Finnair becomes the first European airline to achieve IATA Environmental Assessment Program certification

Finnair (Helsinki) has issued this statement:

Finnair is the first airline in Europe and one of only two global carriers (South African Airways) to be certified as a Stage 2 operator in IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program, an environmental management system designed to independently assess and improve an airline’s environmental management.

Finnair has set ambitious environmental performance targets for its operations:

40% reduction of anti-icing fluid usage in 2014–2016.
20% reduction of CO2 emissions in 2009–2017.
10% reduction of energy usage in corporate facilities in 2007–2016.
10% decrease of the non-EU waste/passenger in 2014–2016.
40% noise reduction in 2014–2017.

IEnvA Stage 1 —which Finnair reached in June 2013 along with a small pilot group of other airlines—ensures an airline has developed the foundation and framework for its environmental management system. Stage 1 also certifies an airline has identified and complied with its environmental legal requirements.

IEnvA Stage 2 – This ensures that an airline has implemented all of the IEnvA Program Standards, identified and mitigated its significant environmental impacts and has set performance targets. Stage 2 also certifies that an airline has developed processes for monitoring and reviewing its performance against its targets and objectives, thus driving environmental efficiency.

The environmental standards that underpin IEnvA are based on recognised environmental management system (EMS) principles (such as ISO 14001) and have been developed by a joint team of environmental consultants and airline experts, including some Finnair personnel. Airline assessments—including Finnair’s—are undertaken by independent accredited Environmental Assessment Organisations that have demonstrated competencies in aviation and environmental auditing.

The scope of IEnvA is limited to flight operations and corporate activities, but modules covering ground and MRO operations are currently under development.

IEnvA has been developed in conjunction with airlines so that it addresses industry needs and specific concerns. IEnvA assesses environmental performance against sustainability standards across a broad range of disciplines, including (but not limited to) the management of air quality and emissions, noise, fuel consumption and operational efficiency, recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, and biofuel utilization. As a result, IEnvA helps airlines to simplify regulatory compliance, demonstrate good governance and achieve financial savings from the better use of resources. IEnvA implementation followed a phased approach due to the complexity and global presence of airlines as well as the number of role players and touch points. There are two implementation phases:

Stage 1:

Stage 1 which ensures an airline has developed the foundation and framework for its environmental management system. Stage 1 also certifies an airline has identified and complied with its environmental legal requirements.

Stage 2:

IEnvA Stage 2 assessment, the highest level of IEnvA achievement, ensures that an airline has implemented all of the IEnvA Program Standards, identified and mitigated its significant environmental impacts and has set performance targets. Stage 2 also certifies that an airline has developed processes for monitoring and reviewing its performance against its targets and objectives, thus driving environmental efficiency.

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Finnair Airbus A321-231 WL OH-LZL (msn 6083) with the “Official Airline of Santa Claus – Santa Claus Finland” markings arrives in London (Heathrow).

Finnair aircraft slide show: