INAEC submits pledge to Climate Neutral Now

MANILA, Philippines — INAEC Aviation Corp. became the first general aviation operator in the Philippines to submit its Climate Neutral Now pledge to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

By signing the UNFCCC pledge last September, INAEC joined a global initiative to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 or earlier. INAEC committed itself to measure its GHG emissions, plan and implement actions to reduce these emissions, and consider contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions through credible carbon credits.

As early as 2018, INAEC has been monitoring its carbon emissions, despite the fact that the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (or CORSIA), which took effect last Jan. 1, 2019, does not apply to general or business aviation operators.

“This is a natural step for INAEC as part of the Lopez Group of Companies,” said Jay Lopez, INAEC president.

“The Lopez Group has firmly established itself as firm advocates of environmental protection and climate action, as manifested by our “no-to-coal” declaration way back in 2016.

While the global aviation industry accounts for a mere two percent of the total GHG emissions, five percent if you consider the other gases and water vapor trails produced by aircraft, conventional flying is nevertheless still a damaging way to travel for the climate.

And the aviation industry is an ever-expanding market, with more and more people expected to travel by air in the future. We very much realize the need for timely action so that the 1.5-degree goal remains attainable. Our aim at INAEC is to contribute to a socially responsible, cleaner, and safer world for our children’s future.”

“We are glad to count INAEC as a participant in our Climate Neutral Now initiative. Action on climate by all stakeholders is urgent, and committing to our process helps organizations and companies understand their carbon footprint, ways to reduce it, and potentially compensate it. We invite INAEC and all their stakeholders to make the commitment and work to reduce their emissions further in a collaborative manner,” said Miguel Naranjo, representative of the UNFCCC Secretariat.

At present, INAEC monitors the fuel and energy consumption of its aircraft, equipment, and facilities and, based on the data, pinpoint and implement ways to reduce such consumption. This is done through efficient flight scheduling, personnel trip planning, energy efficiency reminders, and continuous awareness campaigns to employees regarding the climate emergency. INAEC will make annual reports to the UNFCCC on its GHG emissions monitoring and reduction actions.