Sustainability is a current business buzz word because it is important. 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 environmentally friendlier processes and facilities. Concrete examples can be found in the recent construction of our full-service facility in Provo, Utah, and in our planned expansion construction projects in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Lincoln, Nebraska. These include technology and processes that eliminate airborne waste products connected to aircraft painting, that effectively treat waste water, and that responsibly dispose of remaining hazardous waste. We also use daylight harvesting and natural light wherever possible, install efficient radiant floor heating systems, use LED lighting, and constantly weigh the costs and benefits of adopting greener processes and products in all areas companywide.
Duncan Aviation 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,” says Kelly Becker, Environmental Supervisor for the Lincoln location. “We partnered with community volunteer organizations to organize various recycling and conservation educational efforts. Results included things like roadside cleanups, 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.”
In recognition of its efforts, Duncan Aviation was recently certified to the NATA’s (National Air Transportation Association) 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.
Duncan Aviation is committed to sustainability practices at all levels and is working with leaders in our communities to ensure we are 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 programs related to SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), green power/carbon offsets, as well as new ways to include team members and customers in sustainability goals.
Duncan Aviation is committed to becoming a progressive leader in environmental management through quality and efficiency. It is Duncan Aviation’s policy to:
