The aviation industry is one of the most obvious polluters, and one of the more divisive. People in developing countries do not fly. Rich countries see it as a right, but it is a small percentage of frequent flyers who really tip the scales. Business travel is responsible for approx 3-4% of global carbon emissions.
There is a huge push to create ever more efficient planes, and vessels running on more sustainable fuels. In the meantime, airports, like on Jersey, are looking to reduce their impact by switching to solar power.
Jersey hasn’t been shy in promoting solar power generation. The airport’s 3,200m2 system will only be the third largest on the island, which we think is something to celebrate.
Use of panels in the travel industry is nothing new. Blackfriars train station in London has had solar panels for over a decade. If you find yourself at the station, see if you can find the board that tells you how many washing loads the panels have generated that day.