What can companies learn from Lufthansa's Climate Action Program?

Discover practical steps for embracing sustainability & reducing carbon footprint

An easy way for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve their environmental responsibility & help create a more sustainable future is by looking to the Lufthansa Group . Their Climate Action Program offers a model for sustainability that SMEs can adapt & implement.

Modernizing equipment

A cornerstone of Lufthansa's Climate Action Program is its fleet modernization. By 2030, the airline plans to introduce around two hundred new, more sustainable aircraft. These aircraft aim to reduce fuel consumption & lower CO2 emissions by up to 30% compared to older models. SMEs can adopt a similar approach by investing in energy-efficient vehicles or equipment to reduce their carbon footprint.

Sustainable fuel & energy

Lufthansa emphasizes the importance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of its carbon-neutral strategy, supporting various SAF production processes. SMEs can take inspiration from this by adopting green energy sources relevant to their industries. This shift can help SMEs explore & implement renewable energy solutions, such as solar or wind power, to minimize their carbon emissions.

Sustainable waste

Lufthansa’s use of bio waste materials for sustainable aviation fuel demonstrates how waste can be a valuable resource. SMEs can adopt this concept by identifying opportunities to repurpose waste materials in their own operations & community, promoting sustainability & reducing waste.

Circular Economy & sustainable packaging

Lufthansa embraces the circular economy principles of reduce, reuse, recycle & replace, particularly in their in-flight experience through sustainable packaging. SMEs can implement similar practices by adopting eco-friendly packaging, using sustainable materials & enhancing recycling efforts. For example, switching to compostable packaging or replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives can significantly reduce environmental impact.

Prioritize cybersecurity for sustainability

An often overlooked aspect of sustainability is cybersecurity. Strong cybersecurity measures are essential for protecting the digital infrastructure that supports sustainable business practices. For instance, a cyber-attack on energy management systems or supply chains can disrupt operations & lead to significant resource waste & environmental harm. SMEs should prioritize cybersecurity to ensure the resilience & sustainability of their operations. SMEs should adopt zero-trust strategies & enhance their cyber defenses to avoid costly breaches & ensure sustainable growth.

Sustainable supply chain

Lufthansa Group's Supplier Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of environmental responsibility & climate protection among its suppliers. Lufthansa expects its suppliers to minimize negative environmental impacts & support efforts to protect the climate. SMEs can develop & enforce guidelines that ensure their suppliers adhere to sustainable practices. This includes setting & monitoring targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting transparency about emissions & ensuring no serious environmental damage occurs. By developing a sustainable supply chain, SMEs can significantly contribute to broader climate protection goals.

As Lufthansa Group leads in sustainable aviation, SMEs can derive valuable lessons from their Climate Action Program. While SMEs may not have the same scale or resources, they can adapt & scale down these initiatives to suit their operations. Sustainability is a collective effort & small businesses have a crucial role to play in reducing their carbon footprint & safeguarding the planet’s future. By learning from & mirroring Lufthansa’s initiatives, SMEs can contribute toward a more sustainable & environmentally responsible future.

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NOTE: All companies should implement a sustainability management system to guide their sustainability journey. Watch a recent interview with WhatTheyThink focusing on sustainability management systems: Promoting Sustainability in the Printing Industry - WhatTheyThink