Clay Lacy Aviation has engaged World Kinect Energy Services a subsidiary of World Fuel Services Corporation, to assist Clay Lacy Aviation in developing a comprehensive sustainability program with the goal of significantly reducing Clay Lacy’s carbon footprint as a large business aviation operator. The multifaceted program will attempt to reduce the carbon footprint of Clay Lacy facilities, as well as offering Clay Lacy Aviation’s clients a simpler way to purchase carbon credits to offset their flying activity.
“Operating safely and responsibly, while continually adding value for our clients, is at the core of our business philosophy,” said Brian Kirkdoffer, President and CEO, Clay Lacy Aviation.
“Reducing our carbon footprint and offering clients an easy, verifiable way to operate their planes sustainably is simply the right thing to do. We see this program as an important step toward making business aviation sustainable and helping our industry achieve its climate objectives.”
Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Clay Lacy Aviation Facilities
Upon completion of a comprehensive facility assessment and interviews with key personnel, World Kinect Energy Services will assist Clay Lacy in creating a sustainability program with energy reduction targets and milestones. Initial projects may include installing a solar array, eliminating single-use plastics, transitioning ground equipment from diesel to electric and upgrading to LED lighting. Future initiatives may include provisioning for electric and alternative-fuel aircraft, installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations, and providing sustainable jet fuel as supply becomes available.
Offsetting Fuel Purchases and Flight Activity
Clay Lacy Aviation expects to be one of the first FBOs in the United States to offer Gold Standard carbon offsets bundled with fuel purchases at the company’s Van Nuys Airport FBO. World Kinect Energy Services, itself and through its affiliates, will offer carbon offsets to Clay Lacy Aviation. Clay Lacy Aviation intends to make carbon offsets available to jet charter and management customers on an individual flight or aggregate basis.
“Clay Lacy Aviation has a proven history of being a leader and trend setter,” said Paul Vian, Senior Vice President of World Kinect Energy Services. “We are delighted to be partnering with them to develop this innovative, multi-dimensional program that may serve as a viable model for other business aviation companies to follow.”