Green Passenger Travel: We Can Make a Green Difference!
NDTA's Passenger Travel Services Committee (PTSC) provides theopportunity for open communication between government and travelindustry decision makers to improve programs, trends, policies, andother issues that impact the government traveler and the travelindustry. Primary objectives are to facilitate dialogue, bridge anyinformation gaps, and promote education of the travel industry."Going GREEN" is a "bright idea" that may be addedto PTSC discussion points. We'll keep you posted. PASSENGER TRAVEL SERVICES COMMITTEE PARTNERSHIP in Motion PTSC CHAIR Dr. G.R. "Rocky" Mobaraki, MBA, PhD The Hertz Corporation | Director, Government Sales [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The NDTA Passenger Travel Committee (PTSC) has been very busy thispast year working with the government and industry to enhance officialtravel programs. PTSC members come from military, government, and thosecompanies that implement and manage programs encompassing all facets ofpassenger travel including air, rail, bus, hotel, car, and travelagencies, as well as the travel publishing and electronic systems thatsupport passenger travel. The efforts of the PTSC are probably moreimportant to our NDTA members than most probably realize. The followingarticle will briefly summarize the key issues the committee has beenworking on since the last NDTA Forum in Memphis. The GSA airline city pair program, which is valued at more than $2billion annually, is the program that determines what airline agovernment traveler utilizes between specific destinations. Although theairline industry participates in this program voluntarily, they continueto encourage the government to work with them jointly to enhance andimprove the program. Two major concerns of the airline industry are theneed to limit capacity for deeply discounted fares and to implementticketing time limits. By limiting capacity, the government would beallotted a set number of seats on flights rather than having all seatsavailable at deep discounted rates. Ticketing time limits would requiretickets to be purchased within a specific time from when the reservationis made. Currently, the government can hold reservations up to flightdeparture time and purchase or cancel reservations at the last minute.When such cancellations occur, the airline is forced to fly an aircraftwith unsold seats because government city pair airfares are completelyrefundable. While these proposed changes might not appear advantageousto the government on the surface, it does is allow the government'sairline partners the opportunity to manage their business moreeffectively, which therefore helps encourage the airline'scontinued participation in the city pair program. For 2008, the programwill loose three airlines because the government has not consideredthese changes. One additional airline has elected to offer rates fordomestic flights only and not international routes. When government travelers arrive at their destination airports,most rent cars to complete their trips. These travelers spendapproximately one-half billion dollars annually on car rentals. Foralmost 20 years, the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC)car rental agreement has provided a comprehensive TDY and leisure travelprogram for the government. Prior to the current program, GSA managed acar rental program with rates based on a percentage discount off of"rack rates." Rack rates are standard published ratesavailable to the general public and are often the highest ratesavailable. Liability coverages were not included, nor was Loss DamageWaiver (LDW)/Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or unlimited mileage.Additionally, competition was limited with only a few car rentalcompanies participating, thus receiving most of the business. In manycases, small businesses were unable to compete, and when contractedcompanies were out of cars, the noncontracted companies would oftencharge much higher rates. Another disadvantage was that because oflimited competition, when contracted companies had cars available,noncontracted companies could not be utilized even if they offered lowerrates. In today's agreement, each of the more than 20 participatingcar rental companies must agree to abide by specific requirements. Eachcompany provides ceiling rates that prevent the government from beingovercharged when demands are high because the ceiling rates are themaximum amount that can be charged. Each company adjusts rates belowceiling to compete for business. Additionally, the government agreementlowers age eligibility restrictions from 25 to age 18 for officialtravelers and provides loss damage waiver and maximum liability of up to$300,000. These are just a few benefits that the government programoffers. The business model of this program is simple and beneficial forboth the government travelers and the car rental companies. Thegovernment car rental program is considered by industry and manygovernment personnel to be the most effective of the various governmenttravel programs. That success is due to the strong partnership forged bythe government and industry, keeping the needs of all parties in mind. In the area of official lodging, Federal Government travelersbooked more than 20 million room nights annually, encompassing more than$2 billion in room nights stayed (according to Fed Rooms in 2007). Thelodging industry continues to work with the government to ensure thatthe programs meet the needs of the government and travelers as well asindustry. One specific item is lodging per diem and the need to setprices that are reasonable. Lodging per diem is the maximum amount agovernment traveler can receive for reimbursement while on officialgovernment business. Most locations within the United States (approximately 3000 counties) are covered by the standard CONUS amount,currently $60. Approximately 400 other locations in the United Statessuch as Washington, DC, New York, and San Francisco have lodging perdiems that are considered nonstandard, meaning the rate is above $60.Per diems are established calculating an average rate that rooms arerented for in a given area. Only lodging establishments that meet thespecifications of the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990 areconsidered when establishing the average rate and setting per diem. The government has several hotel programs for TDY travel includingFed Rooms, Lodging Success, and Navy Elite. Though all of these programshave merit and offer benefits to the government and its travelers, thereare strong advantages in consolidating the programs or even reducing thenumber to one lodging program for the entire government. With thecurrent structure, government travelers as well as hotel personnel areoften confused about which program should be utilized when makingreservation or checking-in. This often causes frustration for thetraveler. Additionally, managing multiple programs is more costly andtime consuming for the lodging industry, which increases per night coststo the government. When further considering the financial aspect ofgovernment hotel programs, the government loses buying power atindividual hotels because the revenue is not consolidated. The government continues with the implementation of on-line bookingsystems--the Defense Travel System (DTS) is now widely used by activeduty personnel and Department of Defense employees, and the E-Gov TravelService products (E2 Solutions, FedTraveler, and GovTrip) are beingutilized by Federal Government employees. Even with these systems,travel agencies continue to play a vital role in the government travelprocess. Travel agencies ensure that electronic reservations areprocessed correctly and provide valuable data to the government.Additionally, government-contracted travel agent companies continue toassist travelers with phone reservations, booking airline tickets,rental cars, hotel accommodations, and more. The travel agency industryis concerned with any initiative the government may undertake that wouldultimately result in a negative impact on travel agency profitability orresult in a reduced revenue stream. Such actions would have an endresult of increased cost to the government traveler because travelagencies would be forced to pass on costs to the customer. In the final analysis, all aspects of the passenger travel programsare linked together to provide the best possible travel experience toour military and government travelers. The PTSC will continue to supportthe government and travel industry initiatives to maintain or improvevalue added programs that will benefit all stake holders. The PTSC isproud to have played a helpful role over the years in continuallyimproving official travel programs. In closing, I would like to give a big NDTA Welcome to NorwegianCruise Lines, our newest NDTA and PTSC member. It is notable that NCL isour first American flagged cruise line since the demise of the S.S.United States, which, incidentally, they also own and plan to restore toher former glory. We are looking forward to working with NCL closely,and we particularly want to thank them for donating a Caribbean cruiseas a prize for this year's Forum. If you are a PTSC member orperspective PTSC member, I look forward to seeing you at our PTSCmeeting in Charleston. Check the NDTA Forum Web Site,www.ndtahq.com/forum.htm, for details of meeting time and location. (SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN*) PTSC Chair Dr. G.R. "Rocky" Mobaraki, MBA, PhD The Hertz Corporation Director, Government Sales PTSC Vice Chair and Airline Committee Subcommittee Chair Mr. Denny Clifford Director, Military and Government Sales Northwest Airlines Car Rental Subcommittee Chair Mr. Mike Washkevich Director, Government Sales Avis & Budget Rent A Car Hotels Subcommittee Chair Mr. Scott Lamb Director, Government Sales Hilton Hotels Corporation Travel Agencies Subcommittee Chair Ms. Kelly Kuhn President, Carlson Wagonlit Travel SatoTravel Travel Technology Subcommittee Chair Lisa Godfrey DTS Program Manager Northrop Grumman Bus Subcommittee Chair Ms. Diane Walden Vice President, Sales, Trailways Extended Stay Lodging Subcommittee Chair Toni Kleinops Extended Stay America Passenger Rail Subcommittee Chair Mr. Clifford Black Chief Corporate Communications (Acting), Amtrak Travel Publications and Services Subcommittee Chair Col Dale Kissinger, USAF (Ret.) EX-OFFICIO Ken Wykle President, NDTA Denny Edwards Vice President, NDTA NDTA PASSENGER TRAVEL SERVICES COMMITTEE AIRLINES American Airlines George Coyle ATA Airlines, Inc. William Doherty CSI Aviation Services Ralph Paker Donna Heinz Delta Air Lines Brian Munson FlightWorks, Inc. Cynthia Karnik Kalitta Charters, LLC Steve Green Luxury Air Jets Rodney Kadymir North American Airways Lois Wilson Northwest Airlines Denny Clifford* Omni Air International Joe Vaughn, Jr. Southwest Airlines Merrill Taylor United Airlines Pat Broten Michael O'Brien US Airways OPEN World Airways Lois Wilson BUS Trailways Transportation System Diane Walden* CAR RENTAL Advantage Rent-A-Car Clay Cribbs Alamo/National Rent A Car [Vanguard] Jeff Coggin Belissa Lea Avis/Budget Rent A Car Mike Washkevitz* Dollar -- Thrifty Automotive Group Randy Tietsort Mark Cronin Enterprise Rent-A-Car Lisa Burgess Bryan Scott Xavier Trimiew Europcar Frank Langbein Tony Dolt Olivier Jacquet Fox Rent A Car Jose Giraldo The Hertz Corporation Rocky Mobaraki Lori Leffler Payless Car Rental Kathy Johnson CRUISE LINES Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) Susan Robinson Bettina Osterwind EXTENDED STAY LODGING AHI Corporate Housing Scott Foster Angela Bennet Extended Stay America, Inc. Toni Kleinops* Oakwood Worldwide Kathy Lane Kris Dove Virginian Suites Alisa Hurt Michele Grenz HOTELS Accor Hotels & Resorts Lisa Stymist AmeriSuites/Hyatt Hotels OPEN Best Western International Mari Ann Gray Dave Brogden B.F. Saul Co -- Hotel Division Joel Carver Candlewood Suites Michelle Ducote Carlson Hotels Worldwide Linda Colovos Cendant Corporation Laura Dietrich Choice Hotels International Mary Sarkis Lisa Kenner Hawthorn Suites-Alexandria Stacie Liverpool Hilton Hotels Corporation Scott Lamb* Holiday Inn -- Harrisburg West Holiday Inn -- On the Hill Lana Aberant Homewood Suites Wendy Hensley Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Ron Keith Anna Marie DiBattista InterContinental Hotels Group Jim Reiter Judy Silcox La Quinta Lynn Shatterly LTD Hotel Management Co. Georgeann Sharp Oakwood Worldwide Kathy Lane Radisson -- Waikiki Newton Wong Starwood Hotels Ted Miller SuperClubs Jerry Goodrich Wyndham Hotel Group Bill Masciangelo PASSENGER RAIL Amtrak Clifford Black* TRAVEL AGENCIES Omega World Travel Gloria Bohan Tempton Mistry Carlson Wagonlit Travel | SatoTravel Kelly Kuhn Sally Bickner Monnie Riggin Scott Guerrero Marc Stec TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS & SERVICES MilitaryAvenue.com Col Dale Kissinger, USAF (Ret.) OAG Worldwide OPEN TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATA Paul Chrestensen Cathi Massi Judy Smith Northrop Grumman Lisa Godfrey* Sabre Travel Network Jeffrey Goodell GOVERNMENT Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) Shiela Earle Andrea Carlock Paul Joyce Program Management Office -- Defense Travel System (PMO--DTS) Col Lynne Hamilton-Jones, USAF Greening the Travel Industry! The US Travel Data Center estimates that 43 million US travelersare "ecologically concerned." This group makes a good start,but we all can take part in the mission of Greening the Travel Industry!What you can do as an individual to Go GREEN? "Green" HotelsAssociation[R] provides the following tips to DTJ readers. Theinformation may also inspire NDTA Chapter members to develop publicawareness programs for the benefit of their communities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Managers of all businesses react and respond to requests fromguests, customers, and clients who voice their concerns. When you writea note or speak directly to management regarding our environment, youare casting a vote. You can write a note to the general manager of thehotel, to the captain of the airplane, and to the manager of a tourcompany or cruise line with compliments or comments regarding theirgreen program. Thank them if they have one. Or ask why they don't!As a paying customer, it is important that you let them know that youwant them to lower water and energy usage or reduce solid waste--andthat YOU want to participate in helping them to conserve resources. Businesses with an environmental agenda deserve your patronization.Commercial efforts, however, should not stand alone. YOU can takeaction, too. Following are tips for the individual traveler. As an Individual TRAVELER ... getting ready to Go: ** Turn water heater/thermostat to "Vacation" or lowestsetting. Lower water-bed heaters at least 10 degrees. ** Turn water off at outside connections (to prevent floodingshould a pipe break while you're gone); upon return, turn water onslowly to check for problems. Turn off the ice maker, too, in case itmalfunctions. ** Appliances should be unplugged since they can draw as much as 40watts per hour, even when turned off. ** Stop your newspaper or re-route delivery to a school or publiclibrary. ** Rather than buying travel size toothpaste tubes, squeeze somepaste into a clean contact lens case or contact lens cleaning capsule.These are also handy for carrying salves or pills. As an Individual TRAVELER ... at your Destination ** Participate in hotel linen programs or let the hotel know thatit's not necessary to change your sheets and towels daily. Avoidroom service whenever you can. ** Pack safety pins and small colored beads to mark towels for eachfamily member if you plan to reuse them. ** Turn off the AC/heat, lights, TV, and radio and close the drapes when leaving your room. ** Leave those little bottles of amenities behind if unopened. ** Pack night lights rather than leaving room lights on all nightlong. ** Pass the complimentary newspaper on to someone else, or leave itin the lobby for another reader. ** Turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool, Jacuzzi, ortennis court lights when you're through. ** When available, check out via the electronic program on the TVto help reduce paper consumption. ** Use public transportation in your destination city. ** Take walking tours. ** If you're driving, turn your motor off when idling. ** Carry bottled water and refill as needed. ** Pack plastic bags to tote half-eaten treats or save hotel barsoaps. ** Avoid styrofoam--carry your own cup. ** When offered individual packaged condiments, take only whatyou'll use. ** Take only the travel brochures or maps that you need. ** Don't buy endangered species products of tortoise shell,ivory, animal skins, or feathers. ** Take pictures, not wild life samples, from parks or trails. ** Use a digital camera; disposable cameras are wasteful andexpensive. ** Buy rolls of film with 36 shots rather than 12 or 24 to reducepackaging waste and save money. ** When dropping film off for processing, write your name clearlyon the package; Kodak discards 400,000 rolls of film every year becausespecific information is illegible. ** Leave only footprints. Carry away everything you brought withyou. ** Pick up at least one piece of litter every day--especially atnational tourist locations which are vulnerable to huge touristpopulations. "Green" Hotels Association[R] (GHA), founded in 1993, iscommitted to encouraging, promoting, and supporting ecologicalconsciousness in the hospitality industry. GHA publishes"Guidelines and Ideas"--135 pages of options, ideas, andtechniques that hoteliers can use to conserve resources, reduce utilitycosts, and maintain a positive impact on beautiful destinations. TheAssociation also offers a line of eco-friendly products and a GREENMeeting Planners Guide for professionals. For a free list of"green" ideas for individual travelers or contacts to memberhotels, visit www.greenhotels.com; PO Box 420212, Houston, TX77242-0212; 713-789-8889; Fax: 713-789-9786. PASSENGER TRAVEL CORPORATE MEMBER NEWS Kudos to Corporate Members who take the steps to GO GREEN! ROAD GREEN Eco-conscious driving is a major concern these days, promptingprivate individuals to seek more responsible (and affordable) ways toget from here to there. The concern is receiving equal attention amongrental car companies as they explore initiatives, add alternativevehicles, and demonstrate corporate commitment to our environment. AVIS has been "greening" its fleet of vehicles, and bythe end of June 2007 will have introduced 1000 Priuses into its fleet;vehicles will primarily be available in California, with some in theWashington, DC area, Seattle, and Portland. Avis representatives explainthat the company will guarantee hybrid reservations. A hybrid car costs$5 to $10 more per day. But if 500 miles are driven in a hybrid car, itcan save $20 to $45 in gas expenses versus a standard vehicle, making itpopular with budget-minded customers who care about the environment. ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR has announced a comprehensive environmentalstewardship platform featuring long-term initiatives, a fleet offuel-efficient vehicles, and alternative fuels research. Enterprise"Green Operations" begins with cars--47 percent of its rentalfleet (334,000 plus vehicles) averages a highway fuel efficiency ratingof at least 28 mpg. The company's FlexFuel initiative, launched in2006, aims to maximize the use of more than 41,000 FlexFuel cars andlight trucks in its US fleet that have the ability to burn high levelsof ethanol-based fuel. In addition, Enterprise operates more than 3000plus gas/electric hybrid vehicles powered by a combination of gas andbattery-generated electricity. Enterprise's environmental commitment also includes: ** Funding the advancement of alternative fuel research to reducedependence on fossil fuels for the long haul. ** Launching the "50 Million Tree Pledge," a partnershipwith The National Arbor Day Foundation and the US Forest Service wherebythe company will underwrite the planting of 50 million trees in ourcountry's national forests over the next 50 years. ** Offering hourly vehicle rentals for urban residents seeking tolimit vehicle ownership and reduce congestion. ** Managing vanpool businesses. Today, 1700 vans transport morethan 16,000 commuters daily, reducing emissions and fuel consumption andeasing road congestion. ** Cutting back on paper usage for administrative operations. THE HERTZ CORPORATION is expanding its "Green Collection"of environmentally friendly rental cars with a $68 million investment in3400 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles, 100 of which will be designatedspecifically for the company's Manhattan fleet. The collection,which launched in September 2006, includes more than 35,000vehicles--Ford Fusion, Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, andHyundai Sonata--with an average Environmental Protection Agency highwayrating of at least 31 miles per gallon available for rent in the US. Thenew Toyota Prius vehicles began arriving to the company's fleet inJune and will be available for rent at 50 major airport locations aswell as New York. Additionally, more than 64 percent of the Hertz'fleet gets 28 mpg or more. For Hertz, Green Initiatives also expand beyond fleet: ** 99 percent of the fleet is equipped with vapor recovery controlsto reduce emissions from the fueling process. ** All car washes at Hertz facilities recycle and reuse at least 80percent of their wastewater; use of chlorinated solvents is banned. ** Contracts are awarded only to waste management vendors thatrecycle their used oil. ** Facilities nationwide use Energy Star-compliant office equipmentincluding copiers, fax machines, and computers. ** $1 million was recently pledged to the National Park Foundationand $250,000 to benefit the "Mayor's Fund to Advance New YorkCity" in recognition of the mayor's environmental efforts. GREEN LODGING According to Jessica Downey of Lodging Magazine, "Just aboutevery product in a hotel has an eco-friendly, sustainable, orenergy-saving counterpart. Recycled flooring and carpeting,energy-efficient windows, sensored lighting and HVAC, low-flush toilets,energy misers for vending machines--the market is brimming with greenoptions." Even though the US Hotel market is behind compared tooverseas, properties are becoming more Green-wise. InterContinental Hotels (IHG), with franchise properties belongingto the Green Hotels Association, is a founding member of theInternational Hotels Environment Initiative (IHEI). IHEI got its startin 1992 as a nonprofit organization that has since evolved into theInternational Tourism Partnership (ITP), providing "responsibletourism through responsible leadership." Recently, ITP launched its"Going Green" initiative to achieve greener goals for theindustry. Originally, the term "Green" related primarily toenvironmental issues; the concept today, however, embraces all areas ofsustainability and corporate social responsibility. "GoingGreen" standards cover six key areas: policy and framework; stafftraining and awareness; environmental management; purchasing; people andcommunities; and destination protection. These areas contribute toachieving beneficial results across the triple bottom line of economic,social, and environmental management. Andrew Cosslett, Chief Executive Officer of IHG, explains,"Customers are seeking a quality hotel at a competitive price,while increasingly demanding ethical and environmental businesspractices that make them feel good about their choice. Going Greenstandards will be an essential tool as it lays out, in a clear andconcise format, the minimum standards that need to be implemented tomake hotels more sustainable." Hotels that participate in GoingGreen will also make a valuable contribution to the countries andcultures in which they are located, and to their customers, theirshareholders, and future generations through responsible tourism. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The InterContinental Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, opened in May 2006;accessible only by boat, it is a good example. It features aneco-friendly air-conditioning system fed by a 7874-foot pipeline, at adepth of 3000 feet, off the Bora Bora reef. The pipe pumps ice colddeep-sea water through a titanium heat exchanger, transferring it into afresh water circuit that powers air conditioning in the hotel. Thesystem saves 90 percent of the hotel's electricity consumption forair conditioning, or 2.5 million liters of fuel oil per year. The hotelwas also designed to ensure the best use of natural light. Duringconstruction, all building materials were shipped at high tide to ensureminimal disturbance to the coral reef. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In a related move, IHG approved a change in their coffee supply inthe US in 2006 by switching to higher quality produce from growers whowork under the Rainforest Alliance umbrella. The Alliance looks toprotect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them bysafeguarding the rights and well-being of workers, conserving resources,and protecting the environment. The move is significant considering thatcoffee is one of the most consumed products in the Hotel business. GREEN MEETINGS Hotel maintenance and operations are not the only areas that arerevamping their processes--event planning departments have beguntailoring their services to accommodate an environmentally consciousapproach to hosting meetings and events. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed aquestionnaire for hotels and convention centers bidding for EPA businessthat includes queries about recycling programs, energy efficiency,paperless billing, and reused towels. The agency said it would considerthe answers when it evaluates bids. "We can use our own purchasingpower to influence behavior and to strengthen the link to our mission ofprotecting health and the environment," said Thomas A.O'Connell, an EPA procurement director who led the Green MeetingsWork Group that devised the new rule. The General Services Administration, which sets policy for allgovernment travel, is amending its own rules to suggest that governmentmeeting planners consult the EPA checklist. That could affect asignificant chunk of the $13.5 billion in annual federal spending fortravel. Many hotels may have little difficulty with the new scrutiny. TheHYATT REGENCY at Capitol Hill, a frequent meeting place for governmentagencies, is already certified by Green Seal, which designates companieswith leading-edge environmental practices. GREEN MOVING AND HOUSEHOLD SHIPMENTS Whether you are moving into your first home, or in the midst of yetanother job relocation, a few extra tips for managing your transitionare always helpful. The tips have even more impact when they includeGreen Guidelines! MAYFLOWER, in keeping with today's online world, has released"Your Best Move," a Podcast series that enables listeners toplug in their portable media devices, download the latest episode, andlisten while they're on the go. A series synopsis includes: Episode 1, "Movin' Green," looks at the best ways tomake your next move more environmentally friendly: how to pack, donate,dispose or, and move items with the least ecological impact. Thispodcast provides tips on how to deal with all of the "stuff"that tends to accumulate over a lifetime, how to safely transport anddispose of hazardous materials, and the best ways to find waste andrecycling services in your new city. Episode 2, "Movin' in the City," focuses on thespecial challenges of moving in an urban area. While the proximity tomuseums, restaurants, and urban employers are benefits to living in anurban area, the complexity of making a seamless move can be quitefrustrating. This episode simplifies the urban moving process with tipson parking, scheduling, elevators, security and making good firstimpressions, as well as pointers on how to do your due diligence priorto selecting a professional mover. Episode 3, "Moving Home Electronics," offers suggestionson how to deal with electronics that can be complicated to move andexpensive to replace. This podcast covers ways to dismantle and safelypack a home computer and printer and how to keep expensive large-screen,plasma, and LCD televisions safe during the moving process. Tips onusing everyday items found in the home to help safely pack electronicsof all sizes are also provided. "Your Best Move" podcasts can be found on Apple'siTunes and on the Mayflower web sitewww.mayflower.com/moving/moving-tips/mayflowers-your-best-move-podcast-series.htm. GREEN AIR Our skies are getting more crowded, but at least one aspect of airtravel is improving--engineers are learning how to reduce the damagethat flying does to the environment, according to recent industryreports (The Economist, June, 2007). Depending on what measures are used, aviation is responsible forbetween two percent and three percent of all human-made carbon dioxide emissions. As air travel grows, that figure is expected to rise rapidly.The environmental outlook worsens once emissions of nitrogen oxides andsoot are taken into account--scientists differ on how they affect theenvironment, but some believe they might double the warming effects ofcarbon dioxide. The picture seems bleak, but as both fuel prices and air-traveldemand rise, airplane makers have sought to develop planes that arecheaper and greener to operate. For example, the new 787 Dream-linerfrom BOEING, set to enter service next year, is lighter than anysimilarly sized metal aircraft. That cuts fuel needs by some 20 percent. Meanwhile, manufacturers are looking at designing aircraft in a waythat would boost efficiency. Proposals include fully enclosing engines,which would burn 25 percent less fuel and operate more quietly to boot.An idea adopted from stealth fighters would blend the wings into thepassenger cabin. Such a plane could offer huge fuel-efficiency gains,albeit with a passenger experience a little too reminiscent of Top Gun.Scientists are also studying alternative energy such as blendingbio-fuels with jet fuel, or using fuel cells to power eitherengines' or airplanes' auxiliary gas turbines used when parkedon the tarmac. Incremental improvements eventually add up. A one percent savingsin fuel represents hundreds of tons of fuel a year for the averageairline, and a similar reduction in emissions. By 2020, one aviationexpert predicts that he industry will have halved its fuel burn from theyear 2000. GREEN RAILS Norfolk Southern (NS) does not carry passengers, but the companyproves that it's GREEN in terms of travel! One train can take up to300 truckloads of freight off of our congested highways. That helpsreduce pollution, fuel use, and demand for foreign oil. NS recycles,adopts clean technologies, and works with public agencies and otherpartners to promote environmental stewardship. That's good for theenvironment and the economy! Our corporate members are welcome to submit information throughoutthe year. News concerning products, services, operations, and milestoneswill always find a home in the DTJ! Want to learn more about the FedRooms Program? Attend one of the upcoming FedRooms 101 training sessions held viawebinar on: Wednesday, Aug 29, 1:00-1:30 pm CST Wednesday, Sept 26, 10:00-10:30 am CST For complete details visit www.ndtahq.com/FedRooms.htm Did you know ...? SOUTHWEST AIRLINES was the first of offer electronic ticketingsystemwide. TRAVEL LINKS Travel Links that may be of interest to the nongovernment/militarytraveler ** Away.com Operated by Orbitz Worldwide ** BootsnAll.com Operated by BootsnAll Travel Network ** CruiseCritic.com Operated by The Independent Traveler, Inc. ** Fodors.com Operated by Fodor's Travel, a Division of Random House Inc. ** Frommers.com Operated by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ** IgoUgo.com Operated by Travelocity, a Sabre Holdings Corporation ** IndependentTraveller.com Operated by The Independent Traveler, Inc. ** Kayak.com Operated by Kayak.com ** PlanetRider.com Operated by PlanetRider ** Site59 Operated by Travelocity, a Sabre Holdings Corporation ** SlowTrav.com Operated by Internet Brands, Inc. ** SpecialtyTravel.com Operated by Specialty Travel Index ** Travellntelligence.net Operated by Travel Intelligence, Ltd. ** TravellersPoint.com Operated by Tupela, Ltd. AS. ** TravLang.com Operated by Travlang Online, Inc. ** TripAdvisor.com An operating company of Expedia, Inc. ** VirtualTourist.com Operated by Virtualtourist.com, Inc. ** WebTravelManager.com Operated by WebTravelManager.com ** World66.com Operated by Internet Brands, Inc. ** WorldHum.com Operated by World Hum The government is traveling across the US! ARE YOU GETTING YOURSHARE OF ITS BUSINESS? Source: GSA--FedRooms WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST "GREEN" PTSC MEMBER NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE NCL Corporation (NCL) owns and operates an impressive fleet ofships that feature Freestyle Cruising and family fun. NCL America, asubsidiary operating Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii and Pride ofAloha, carries the singular distinction of being the largest US-flaggedcruise line. Both NCL and NCL America employ the highest standards whenit comes to protecting the environment. The company shares thatawareness with all of its passengers--young and old alike. NCL is heavily invested in protecting the environment. Thepolicies, technologies and training onboard its ships are among the moststringent, exceeding existing laws and international conventions. TRAINING: All NCL crew receive environmental procedures trainingprior to assuming duties as well as specialized training appropriate totheir individual job and responsibility. An environmental officer isonboard at all times to oversee training and compliance. TECHNOLOGY: NCL ships are fitted with incinerators that burn oil,paper, cardboard, some plastics, and on some ships, bio sludge and driedfood waste. What cannot be burned, or where incineration is notpermitted, is brought ashore for recycling or disposal by licenseddisposal companies. Recently, several NCL ships have gained thecapability to dry, sterilize, and offload inert sewage for recyclingwhere feasible. NCL employs state-of the-art advanced wastewater treatment systemsthat treat black water and gray water to near drinking water standards.In fact, several NCL vessels have been approved for continuous dischargein port because the water is so clean and the quality assuranceprocedures are so rigorous. NCL uses low sulfur fuels in environmentally sensitive areasthroughout the world to prevent acid rain. The company is alsoinstalling fuel-water emulsion systems, "cold iron" portelectrical plug-in capability, electronic fuel injection, and multi-fuelcapabilities on its newer ships to ensure minimal air emissions whereverit sails. The company has also pioneered recycling of used lube oil androutinely recycles plastics, aluminum, steel, batteries, oil sludge, anda wide variety of consumer products. POLICY: In addition to its continuous improvement process, eachyear, NCL ships undergo a week-long audit to ensure compliance of allUnited States and international environmental regulations and to ensurethat NCL engages in the best possible practices and procedures inprotecting our environment. Furthermore, the company has created aSafety and Environmental Protection Policy, which establishes objectivesrelating to the environment including waste disposal, recycling, usageof environmentally friendly materials and technology, and accidentprevention involving pollution. NCL has also developed and implemented a Corporate Code of BusinessEthics to ensure that all NCL employees, shipboard and ashore, rigidlyadhere to NCL's environmental policies and stewardship. In early2007, NCL announced that it has signed a multi-year agreement with thePort of Los Angeles that includes several measures designed to supportthe port's clean air initiatives. OFFICER SNOOK WATER POLLUTION PROGRAM FOR KIDS Beginning in 2006, all NCL and NCL America ships introduced onboardprograms to educate young people about the importance of clean water andthe effects of marine pollution and ways to prevent it. The program,borrowing on the Officer Snook model, stresses involvement withactivities for kids of all ages. Kids ages two to five years old canenjoy an Undersea Hospital, story-telling, coloring books and games.Crafts, a simulated "Beach Clean Up" activity, and a"Catch or Release" game identifying endangered species and anenvironmental poster contest are provided for pre-teens. A specialcomponent allows high school students to earn between one and fivecommunity service hours depending on their level of involvement in theOfficer Snook Program. These hours may be used at the teen's schoolas part of their community service allotment. The Officer Snook Water Pollution Program was started in 1993 byJennifer Sevin, then a Florida high school senior, to educate localelementary school students about water pollution. It has since grownnationally. To date, more than five million students in grades pre-kthrough 12 have participated in an Officer Snook presentation or relatedactivity. The United States Coast Guard (USCG), as part of its national"Sea Partners Campaign," conducts the Officer Snook Programthrough 35 USCG Sector Commands. PROTECTING MARINE INHABITANTS Passengers aboard NCL America's US-flagged ships in Hawaii aretreated to luxurious accommodations and pristine sailing conditions. Thecrystal clear waters and the lush coastline of the islands lendthemselves to picture-perfect cruising--an environment that NCLendeavors to protect through responsible operations. The aquaticinhabitants are equally important. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In cooperation with the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries ScienceCenter, National Fisheries Service, NCL has been taking part in theGreen Turtle release program whereby turtles bred and nurtured incaptivity are returned to the wild. Young hatchlings are carried onboard to safe haven destinations approximately three to five miles offshore. Passengers lucky enough to be onboard for "releasecruises" also share pride in protecting precious marine life. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE NCL FLEET Norwegian Cruise Line is an innovative cruise line based in Miami,Florida, with a total of ten ships currently sailing internationalitineraries and under construction. Once Norwegian Gem is delivered,more than 80 percent of NCL's capacity will be big, new and modern,keeping NCL on track to offer the youngest fleet in the industry by theend of 2007. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NCL's fleet includes: NCL's Freestyle Cruising challenges the conventional model ofcruising and is designed to meet the changing needs of today'scruise passengers. Freestyle Cruising is characterized, in particular,by having no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, up to 10distinct restaurants, relaxed disembarkation, and even more lounges,bars, theaters, and other entertainment and activity options. NCL offers a variety of itineraries, including Caribbean, Alaska,Europe, Bermuda, Hawaii, Bahamas & Florida, Canada & NewEngland, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal, and SouthAmerica. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NCL AMERICA NCL America ships are US-flagged vessels. All three ships offerFreestyle Cruising and currently sail seven-day inter-island Hawaiicruises visiting the four main islands: Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.
