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Measuring Our Progress

Air Emissions

Boeing's industrial operations, like those at most other manufacturing industries, release regulated air emissions. These include CO₂, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and other gases. For many of its major U.S. manufacturing sites, Boeing tracks and, as required, reports certain emissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state and local regulatory authorities.

CO₂ Emissions

Reductions in CO₂ emissions are primarily the result of energy conservation. Since 2002, Boeing has reduced CO₂ emissions by 31 percent on a revenue-adjusted basis, and by 10.1 percent on an absolute basis.

To calculate CO₂ emissions at our major U.S. locations, Boeing uses measurements of electricity consumption, natural gas use and fuel oil.

CO2 Emissions at Major U.S. Sites - Absolute	CO2 Emissions at Major U.S. Sites - Revenue Adjusted
In addition to data from Boeing's 20 major sites, also includes data from Bellevue, Wash., Chicago, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' operations in Long Beach, Calif., Seal Beach, Calif., and West Hills, Calif. 1 metric ton = approximately 1.1 tons or 2,204.62 pounds. CO2 emissions are calculated based on consumption of electricity, natural gas and fuel oil. (Our facility in Philadelphia is the only major U.S. site that uses fuel oil for heating.) Consumption of other fuels is not represented. Similar to Boeing's 2009 Environment Report, emissions from purchased electricity is calculated using regional eGRID electricity CO2 factors. Different from our 2009 Environment Report, emissions from natural gas and fuel oil are calculated using the emission factors provided in US EPA GHG Mandatory Reporting Rule. Historical totals are adjusted to reflect use of US EPA GHG Mandatory Reporting Rule emission factors. 2008 data reflects reduced production demand due to the IAM work stoppage in Washington, Oregon, and Kansas. Data in the chart is normalized for divestitures by excluding Boeing Commercial Airplanes operations in Wichita (now Spirit AeroSystem) from 2002 to 2005. Boeing Defense, Space & Security's Wichita operations are included in this data.

 

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NOx and SOx Emissions

In addition to CO₂, Boeing works to limit other emissions. Two of these emissions, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx), occur in industrial operations by using equipment such as boilers, heaters, furnaces and back-up electrical generators that operate on natural gas and fuel oil.

Boeing has begun reporting NOx and SOx Emissions starting with this year's Environment Report. This report does not include calculations of NOx and SOx Emissions associated with operating aircraft, ground vehicles and other mobile equipment. A major factor contributing to the reduction of SOx emissions between 2007 and 2008 was the lower use of fuel oil in Philadelphia.

NOx and SOx Emissions Table

NOx and SOx Emissions Major U.S. Sites
	2007	2008	Percent Improvement
NOx Emissions	368  tons	306 tons	16.8%
SOx Emissions	89  tons	46 tons	48.3 %
Data based on Boeing's U.S. manufacturing operations that submit annual air emission inventory reports to the relevant regulatory authorities. Not all of our major manufacturing operations are subject to annual air emission inventory reporting requirements. 1 ton = approximately 0.91 metric tons or 907.18 kilograms. 2008 data reflects both improved operational performance and reduced production due to the IAM work stoppage in Washington, Oregon and Kansas. Dates for reporting NOx and SOx emissions vary by government agency, and consolidated 2009 data was not available in time to be included in this report. Boeing will provide consolidated 2009 data in its next environment report.

 

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VOC Emissions

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are chemicals that when exposed to sunlight in the atmosphere react with oxygen to form ground-level ozone. They are generated by a variety of industrial processes, including cleaning with solvents, painting and vapors from petroleum-based fuels.

Boeing has begun reporting VOC emissions starting with this year's environment report.

VOC Emissions Table

VOC Emissions Major U.S. Sites
2007	2008	Percent Improvement
1067  tons	976  tons	8.5 %
Data based on Boeing's U.S. manufacturing operations that submit annual air emission inventory reports to the relevant regulatory authorities. Not all of our major manufacturing operations are subject to annual air emission inventory reporting requirements 1 ton = approximately 0.91 metric tons or 907.18 kilograms. 2008 data reflects both improved operational performance and reduce production due to the IAM work stoppage in Washington, Oregon and Kansas. Dates for reporting VOC emissions vary by government agency, and consolidated 2009 data was not available in time to be included in this report. Boeing will provide consolidated 2009 data in its next environment report.

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