Participation in Environmentally Sustainable Work by Westjet Airlines - Case Study Example

Participation in Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices and Background of the organization Founded in 1996, Westjet Airlines Ltd has, over the years, risen to become the second largest Canadian airliner. It is a low cost-carrier and brags of a charter air services to 89 destinations in Canada, 11 states in the US, central America, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe (WestJet, 2013). From its website, (WestJet, 2013) shows that on average, it ferries 45,000 passengers per day, and flies three types of aircrafts namely Boeing Next-Generation 737-600, 737-700 and 737-800. The dominant philosophy in starting a low carrier airline was that one should not get less just because one is paying less for the flight. Under this philosophy, WestJet has risen to undisputable heights in customer service. In a bid to provide its customers with varied travel experiences, WestJet has been signing agreements with other airlines since 2010. Perhaps the numerous awards the airline has received are proof enough of its relentless dedication to its customers. In 2010, for instance, the airline came first in customer service and received “Staff Service Excellence in North America” award (Skytrax, 2010). Moreover, WestJet caring nature is evidenced through its programs aimed at improveing societies. They include WestJetters Caring for Our Company and “WestJet Cares for Kids” programs. The aim of WestJet, as WesJtet (2010) clarifies, is to continually improve customer experience and satisfaction globally by making flying experience fun and enjoyable. It also endeavors to extend its caring culture to all its shareholders by empowering its employees, involving the communities, caring for the environment as well as through strategic partnerships. Its vision is “to become the most successful international airlines in the world by 2016, providing guests with friendly and caring experiences that will change air travel forever (WestJet, 2013). Environmental regulations governing the airline industry In the US, the airline industry is governed by a wide range of federal, state and local regulations all of which are aimed at protecting the environment). Primarily, GAO (2000) observes that FAA and Environmental Protection Agency, EPA have been the lead government agencies in the management of environmental impact of airport operations and expansion. The GAO (2000) says that these laws govern environmental concerns majorly noise produced by aircrafts, water quality, especially that from deicing and anti-icing, and air quality, which is threatened by emission of greenhouse gases from the automobiles. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) stipulates a comprehensive policy that aims to ensure environmental quality is maintained. Relative to the degree of federal government participation and the perceived impact on the environment, GAO (200) notes that NEPA demands that federal action like enlargement of airports be subjected to an environmental review. Moreover, as GAO (2000) notes, NEPA is charged with the responsibility of implementing principles and procedures that encourage public participation before decisions are made by the federal government. Pertaining to airport projects, FAA is the chief federal agency charged with the responsibility of enforcing the existing laws governing the issues in question. For instance, FAA must approve all airport enlargement projects. On the other hand, EPA reviews environmental impact assessments developed by FAA and other federal agencies GAO (2000). Noise research and control in airports is monitored by EPA under the Noise Control Act, although later, as GAO (2000) observes, FAA was authorized to help operators in developing noise control programs. Environmental Stewardship In its path to becoming a top five most preferred airline globally, measured through key metrics such as customer satisfaction and efficiency in terms of time and safety, (WestJet, 2012) observes that WestJet airlines plans to remain environmentally sensitive by consistently doing its own environmental impact assessment and instituting policies and infrastructure that make the organization sustainable. This is in recognition that as the airline expands its operations, so will it have a larger impact on the environment. It aims to excel both economically and environmentally. In this front, and in support of IATA goal of carbon neutral growth in aviation industry beyond 2020, (WestJet, 2012) observes that the airline plans to have the most modern and energy efficient fleets in North America. Emissions (WestJet, 2012) projects that with its planned growth, the airlines will have a bigger impact on the environment through the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The solution, as the organization states, is to ensure it operates its fleet and ground infrastructure to the highest innovative levels as is possible. To this end, (WestJet, 2012) notes that it plans to invest in energy-efficient fleets, use technology, institute infrastructure and policies that will aid the airline in achieve efficiency both in air and on the ground, and lastly to collaborate with governmental regulators and agencies in ensuring sustainable growth. In the air particularly, according to (WestJet, 2012), it plans to invest in modern fleets that will help improve fuel efficiency by 44.8 percent per revenue tone kilometer by 2012. In a bid to further reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and save on fuel, (WestJet, 2012) notes that the organization plans to replace the old-series aircraft with Boeing Next-Generation 737-series aircraft, effectively reducing emissions and consumptions by 15 to 30 per cent on a per seat basis. Moreover, the airline is at the front in the use of winglet technology, which reduces fuel consumption by increasing payload and takeoff performance. Other initiatives aimed at protecting the environment as (WestJet, 2012) notes, include tech-insertion engines, fuel management and reporting systems, engine washing, use of sustainable bio fuels, and recycling. WestJet materials management- Recycling report To ensure economic as well as environmental sustainability, WestJet airlines uses one hundred percent recyclable materials. These, as (WestJet, 2010) notes, include napkins used on-board by customers and hydraulic fluids. The airline has instituted a management program of the materials it uses in a bid to further promote safety and efficiency. The core principles of the program according to (WestJet, 2010), are minimizing the use of materials and generation of waste, safe and proper disposal of materials and the replacement of materials made of non-renewable resources. Further, as (WestJet, 2012) observes, the WestJet head office building located in Calgary has not only been fitted with highly efficient water installations that reduces water usage by 42 percent, but also uses a hybrid geothermal system for heating which reduces approximately 900 tones of greenhouse gases relative to using other heating systems. Moreover, rainwater is harvested and used for irrigating the campus landscaping. Other materials recycled in the building (WestJet, 2012) observes; include paper, cardboard, plastics, metals and alkaline batteries. Generally, waste at the building is reduced by 34 percent. The organization says that it will continue monitoring waste generation and handling across all its premises with an intention of implementing a more comprehensive and efficient waste management program. Reporting procedures WestJet Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary that employs a functional structure. In this model, the top level management is the Board of Directors comprising of 13 members who are charged with the success of the organization is responsible for decision-making. The Board enjoys ultimate authority on all issues regarding operational, economic, and environmental sustainability. At the top is the CEO, who directly supervises the chief officers under him. The chief officers are in charge of various units as marketing and technology. Under them are senior managers in charge of departments like flight operations, ground operations and cabin services. The board governs through committees which include the safety health and environmental committee. This committee is charged with monitoring compliance by all persons to the safety, health and environmental policies of the organization. Every WestJet staff is responsible for reporting an environmental incident when and as they become aware of an incident. They first report the incident to the senior managers in charge of departments, who then inform their superiors if the matter calls for their attention. The chain moves up like that and the Board has the final say on all issues regarding environmental sustainability. Recommendations It is clear from the above discussion that WestJet Airline is committed towards fully embracing environmental protection. Although it is the most preferred carrier in Canada, it has areas that can be improved to ensure customer satisfaction and become more competitive. To begin with, it should expand its flights to many Trans-Continental flights. This denies it more revenue. Secondly, the airline has no first class seating and this possibly denies it more revenue from people who would wish to fly first class. Including this class does not necessarily reduce its presence in the market; rather, it’s a form of casting its net wider. The airline does not have in-flight entertainment and snacks. Though this is majorly attributed to its being a low cost carrier, lack of entertainment does not go well with some people. As the airline expands, there is a need to equally expand its infrastructure. Some of its premises and social amenities are not enough for the number of employees working there. The airline, in a bid to cast its nets further, could also forge strategic alliances through code sharing and interline airline with other airlines like Cathy Pacific and American Airlines, besides leveraging user-friendly vacation planning site-WestJet Vacations. Checklist Consultation /  Suggested Action Have workers and their health and safety representatives been consulted on any decisions about the adequacy of the facilities? Location and nature of the workplace /  Action to be taken Is the workplace near related social amenities? Is the means of access safe? Social amenities /  Action to be taken Are facilities cleaned regularly, at least daily? Is broken or damaged infrastructure, such as plumbing, air-conditioning or lighting, repaired promptly? Is equipment and furniture, like fridges, lockers and seating, maintained in good condition? Workspace /  Action to be taken Are there seats for workers who work standing and need to sit from time to time? Is there enough working space, and personal protective equipment that is needed? Is there enough space in walkways and around cupboards, storage or doors, in addition to the clear workstation space? Floors /  Action to be taken Is adequate floor covering provided for workers who need to stand for long periods? Are the floors maintained to be free of slip and trip hazards? Are factors such as the work materials used, the likelihood of spills and the need for washing considered when choosing floor coverings? Lighting /  Action to be taken Does the lighting allow workers to move about easily and to carry out their work effectively without adopting awkward postures or straining their eyes to see? Does the working environment minimise the amount of glare, contrast or reflection? Air quality /  Action to be taken Is the temperature between 20C and 26C (or less if the work is physically active)? Are ventilation and air-conditioning systems in good working condition and serviced regularly? Are rates of air movement in enclosed workplaces between 0.1 m and 0.2 m per second? Is local exhaust ventilation used to control airborne contaminants released during a work process? Drinking water /  Action to be taken Are the drinking water outlets accessible to workers? Are the drinking water outlets separate from toilet and washing facilities? Is the water clean, cool and hygienically provided? Toilets /  Action to be taken Are there enough toilets for both genders? If the workplace has more than 10 workers, are there at least one male toilet for every 20 men and one female toilet for every 15 women? Are there adequate toilet facilities for workers with disabilities? Are toilets clearly marked, and do they have lockable doors, adequate lighting and ventilation? Are toilets cleaned regularly? Is there adequate toilet paper, hand washing facilities and soap, rubbish bins and sanitary disposal? References Aviation and the Environment; Airport Operations and Future Growth Present Environmental Challenges., 2000. 1st ed. Washington, D.C: GAO, pp.18-20. Skytrax, 2010. WestJet Wins Staff Service Excellence North America at the World Airline Awards. [Online] Available at: http://www.worldairlinea wards.com/Awards - 2010/svcexcnameric.htm [Accessed 29 Jun. 2014]. WestJet, (2010). The Bigger Picture. [Online] Available at: https://www.westjet.com/pdf/global-reporting.pdf [Accessed 29 Jun. 2014]. WestJet, (2012). Corporate Social Responsibility Report. [Online] Available at: http://www.westjet.com/pdf/responsible-growth-en.pdf [Accessed 29 Jun. 2014]. Read More