Duncan Aviation has achieved a new certification – the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses.
The standard encourages reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased use of more environmentally friendly energy sources, reduced waste, and sustainability measures throughout the company.
“Sustainability is a current business buzzword because it is important,” said Jeff Lake, president of Duncan Aviation. “As a society, we need to look for better ways to do things – ways that leave less of a footprint on the Earth and that make a positive impact on the environment we will leave our children, grandchildren and future generations. Sustainability is a core value that Duncan Aviation team members identified years ago as something the company should focus on and improve.”
There are many ways Duncan Aviation strives to be a better steward of resources and to work toward more environmentally friendly processes and facilities. Examples can be found in the recent construction of the company’s full-service MRO facility in Provo, Utah, and in its planned 2022-2023 expansion construction projects in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Lincoln, Nebraska. The company said these include technology and processes adopted to eliminate airborne waste products connected to aircraft painting; effectively treat wastewater; and dispose of remaining hazardous waste responsibly. The company also uses daylight harvesting and natural light wherever possible; has installed efficient radiant floor heating systems; used LED lighting; and constantly weighed the costs and benefits of adopting greener processes and products in all areas company-wide.
Duncan Aviation also has environmental supervisors at its full-service facilities, who create sustainability goals every year. These initiatives include using products that are environmentally friendly, supporting vendors who also value sustainability, and encouraging recycling and re-use wherever possible.
“We noticed a big improvement years ago when we gave team members who are passionate about green initiatives the latitude to develop and implement ideas through a committee initially called the Green Team,” said Kelly Becker, environmental supervisor for the Lincoln location. “We partnered with community volunteer organisations to organise various recycling and conservation educational efforts. Results included things like roadside clean-ups, clothing and coat drives, and even a competition to see who could make award-winning items from recycled pallets or repurposed items. Robert Duncan himself is an electric car supporter, and he made sure we installed electric vehicle charging stations at all of our full-service facilities.”
Duncan Aviation affirmed its commitment to sustainability practices at all levels. It is working with community leaders to ensure the company is supporting community sustainability goals. “In the future, you can expect to see increased use of GSE equipment powered by renewable energy sources and deliberate research and implementation of programmes related to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), green power/carbon offsets, as well as new ways to include team members and customers in sustainability goals,” said Lake.
