Finnair Improves Carbon Disclosure and Emissions Reduction

The Carbon Disclosure Project has commended Finnair for its efforts to substantially by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving reporting capabilities, and recognizing the strategic business risks associated with climate change.

In the CDP's Nordic Report 2011, Finnair earned a score of 76 out of 100, a strong improvement over its 2010 score of 61. A score greater than 70 puts a company in the “high” category of climate change-aware firms. In such companies, the report explains, “senior management understand the business issues related to climate change and are building climate related risks and opportunities into core business.”

The CDP report singled out Finnair for its leadership on biofuels and for its travel agencies’ significant emissions reductions. CDP reports from the rest of the world are forthcoming later this year.

“This is a really positive step forward,” said Kati Ihamäki, Vice President, Sustainable Development. “It’s a clear signal that we’re on the right track to reduce emissions over the long term and will hold a competitive advantage when we begin to participate in forthcoming emissions trading schemes.”

Since 1999, Finnair has reduced its emissions per seat by a quarter. By 2017, the airline is aiming to further reducing its emissions per seat by 24% from 2009 levels. In pursuit of the eventual long-term goal of carbon-neutral aviation, the airline follows a four-pillar strategy: technological advancement, operational improvement, infrastructure development, and support for a global emissions trading scheme.

More than 3,000 organizations in 60 countries measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, water management and climate change strategies through the Carbon Disclosure Project, an independent, not-for-profit NGO that assists companies in setting reduction targets and making performance improvements. CDP gathers data on behalf of 551 institutional investors holding US$71 trillion in assets (51 trillion euros).

“Company responses this year are an abundant source of examples of innovation,” said Amanda Haworth Wiklund, Director of CDP Nordic. “Nordic companies are showing that superior products can be made using less energy and fewer scarce natural resources.”

Finnair began participating in the CDP in 2007.

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