Virgin America’s Green Team Strives to Reduce Its Carbon Footprint

An experienced aviation industry professional, David “Dave” Pflieger is a dedicated philanthropist with a commitment to sustainability efforts and corporate social responsibility (CSR). David Pflieger’s early work in this area included overseeing the establishment of Virgin America’s CSR program and leading the airline’s “Green Team,” which partnered with the U.S. EPA to examine every area of the company’s operations in order to measure and manage the company’s carbon footprint.

Virgin America’s “Green Team,” which consists of workers from every department of the company, including pilots, dispatchers, in-flight crew, and airport guest services, is focused on reducing the airline’s carbon footprint and exploring new venues to enhance its sustainability measures for both air and ground operations. Meeting quarterly, the team discusses matters of sustainability and makes recommendations about upcoming projects, which may range from improving efficiencies and green procurement and to promoting resource conservation and recycling.

Achievements of the “Green Team” to date include beach clean-ups, an onboard recycling program, the addition of organic and healthy items to the airline’s in-flight menu, and participation in the 2010 and 2011 Great Race for Clean Air. In addition, the team created a bike-sharing program in Fort Lauderdale for use by pilots and in-flight crew on layovers. It also initiated the collection of renewable materials in airports where recycling is not possible. 

To learn more about the Green Team and its accomplishments, visit virginamerica.com/cms/corporate-responsibility/collaboration.

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