The environment is not arbitrarily a cornerstone of the corporate social responsibility practiced by KLM. The airline is extremely active in this area based on the belief that a healthy future for mankind and the earth (and hence a company like KLM) can only take root in a healthy environment. KLM is fully aware that its operation, the core of which is flying, has a detrimental effect on the environment. It has therefore adopted a pioneering role in care for the environment and entirely accepts its responsibility therein. KLM believes that sustainable flight is not only imperative, it is also possible.

Taking the lead on sustainability

Precisely because our network allows us to fly all over the world, KLM has adopted a leading role in energy-efficient flight by introducing a program of fleet renewal and fleet adjustment which selects cleaner and quieter aircraft. KLM flies 25% more fuel efficiently than comparable European airlines. KLM also looks for environmentally friendly fuel solutions. Almost all KLM's ground vehicles run on red diesel, which is low in sulfur and is blended with biodiesel. However, there is as yet no alternative to kerosene. KLM's sustainability ambitions remain high: it has set itself the target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 3% by 2012 and 17% by 2020.

CO₂-neutral growth

Since 2007, KLM has been compensating entirely for the increase in CO₂ emissions that result from the increase in its flight kilometers. The airline also compensates for business flights made by its employees. These measures contribute to KLM's CO₂-neutral growth. This has been formally laid down in an agreement with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Passengers can compensate too

KLM also tries to stimulate CO₂-reduction by other means. Since spring 2008, the service CO₂ZERO has offered passengers the opportunity to compensate for their flight's CO₂ emissions. This money is invested directly in sustainable energy projects in developing countries which bear the WWF's Gold Standard.
KLM regards compensation as a temporary solution. The true solution is the reduction of aircraft CO₂ emissions. However, as this is not yet possible, compensation is the only real alternative.

Leading discussions

KLM is also taking the lead in industry-wide discussions on issues such as more environmentally efficient air traffic control practices. It also advocates a worldwide system of emissions rights for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions.

Stimulating research

KLM stimulates and supports scientific research into new technologies, which will enable quieter and cleaner flight, and into the development of an aircraft of the future which will be 50% more fuel efficient and 50% quieter (expected in 2025).

Innovative maintenance

KLM also employs environmentally friendly innovations in its aircraft maintenance, which is fully ISO 14001 certified. In 2007 it introduced the Engine Water Wash, a method by which aircraft engines self-clean using water; the KLM Environmental Center drains off the waste water in a responsible manner and filters any fumes that are emitted. This cleaning method leads to lower fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions.

Less weight and noise

Because weight in the air has a direct impact in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, KLM uses innovative solutions wherever possible to limit weight, from lighter trolleys to smarter provisioning. No more fuel, water, or food is carried on board than is absolutely necessary. For years KLM has taken operational steps to limit noise pollution for the surrounding area, for instance, through the careful utilization of approach and departure routes in and out of Schiphol.

Responsible processing of waste

KLM regards the responsible processing of waste as a duty. The airline produces as little trash as possible and separates the rubbish that is produced. As many environmentally friendly materials as possible are used, such as recyclable soup cartons. Employees also deliberately adopt environmentally-friendly measures in the "small things," for instance, by printing less, using fewer plastic cups, and turning lights out and computers off.