Virgin Atlantic and LanzaTech, a producer of low-carbon fuels and chemicals from waste gases, have been named as joint winner of the 2013 Observer Ethical Award in the Business Initiative category for their partnership to commercialise sustainable, low-carbon aviation biofuels. The Award is timely as the global aviation industry gathers this week at the Paris Air Show with sustainability and sustainable aviation fuels a major focus at the show.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Observer Ethical Awards celebrate the projects, businesses, ideas, campaigns and activists making sustainable change a reality. Criteria include whether the business is ethical and commercially viable, whether it is leading is sector, and if it inspires others. The winners were announced at a ceremony in London informally known as \u2018the green Oscars\u2019.<\/p>\n
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award \u2013 it\u2019s inspiring and humbling to be in the company of such amazing award nominees and winners,\u201d said Emma Harvey, Virgin Atlantic\u2019s Head of Sustainability. “People often assume that sustainability and aviation are a contradiction in terms but as for any industry, we\u2019re demonstrating that it is possible to pursue ground- breaking low carbon solutions for our business, whilst preserving the significant social and economic benefits that aviation brings. We\u2019re delighted to be working with the LanzaTech team on their pioneering, next generation sustainable fuel and are doing all we can to make sure this becomes a commercial reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
“It is a great honour to be recognized for our partnership with Virgin Atlantic, given the company\u2019s demonstrated commitment to sustainability across all aspects of its operations,\u201d said Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. “The coming global availability of low carbon jet fuel made from waste materials will enable more sustainable air travel, a key goal of Virgin Atlantic and the entire aviation industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
LanzaTech has developed innovative technology that converts local, highly abundant, waste and low-cost resources into sustainable, valuable commodities. The patented process uses a microbe to convert waste gas containing CO or CO2<\/sub> (from industrial sources like steel mills and processing plants) or synthetic gas generated from any biomass resource into low carbon fuels and chemicals. LanzaTech estimates that its process can apply to 65 percent of the world\u2019s steel mills, offering the potential to provide 19 percent of the world\u2019s current jet fuel demand, and an overall reduction in greenhouse gases by 50-60 percent compared to traditional jet fuel.<\/p>\n Virgin Atlantic\u2019s vision is to be a leading airline on sustainability, driving solutions for the whole industry through its Change is in the Air sustainability programme. Its number one priority is to be as fuel and carbon efficient as possible. For example, its 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be delivered next year will be up to 27% more fuel and carbon efficient than the aircraft they will replace, and Virgin\u2019s work on sustainable fuels is certainly pushing boundaries in the pursuit of low carbon alternatives to traditional kerosene.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s awards attracted a record-breaking number of votes from the general public. There were 10 categories in total and the shortlist of nominees was decided by a mix of votes and judge\u2019s decisions. The judging panel consisted of leading figures across science, culture and business, including Livia Firth, creative director of Eco Age & co-founder of The Green Carpet Challenge; Emma Howard Boyd, sustainable investment & governance director, Jupiter Asset Management; James Wong, TV Presenter; Ben Fogle TV Presenter; Deborah Meaden, businesswoman and Dragon’s Den star; Paralympian Martine Wright; and Lucy Siegle, Observer ethical living columnist, BBC One Show presenter and chair of judging panel.<\/p>\n