Serving Business Aviation With Sustainability In Mind

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 the company’s full-service facility in Provo, Utah, and in its planned 2022 and 2023 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. 

Passion and Teamwork Help

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.”

Resulting Recognition

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. 

Future Plans

Duncan Aviation is committed to sustainability practices at all levels and is working with leaders in its communities to ensure the company is supporting community sustainability goals. In the future, Duncan Aviation says 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.

Striving for a More Sustainable Future

Duncan Aviation is committed to becoming a progressive leader in environmental management through quality and efficiency. It is Duncan Aviation’s policy to:

• Operate in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with environmental laws and regulations
• Consider environmental factors and impacts when making corporate decisions and modifications to operational activities
• Promote environmental awareness and responsibility among employees through appropriate training and education
• Continuously strive to prevent waste and pollution and adopt practices that minimize the harmful effects of our operations on the natural environment
• Encourage efficient use of materials and resources throughout the facility
• Consider, purchase, and use products that are environmentally responsible and promote employee health benefits
• Work continuously to improve effectiveness of environmental management standards through evaluations, self-audits, and suggestions made by employees, customers, and the public
• Establish, implement, and maintain environmental objectives and targets on an annual basis.