Eurowings and Cologne/Bonn Airport are to plant 6,000 trees in the Königsforst nature reserve, the first initiative of its kind for a German airline and airport.
The Königsforst is a 2,519-hectare area east of Cologne that is part of the larger Bergische Heideterrasse. As well as a recreational area, it is a habitat for numerous birds and wildlife. Vacant areas resulting from drought in recent years and infestation by bark beetles are being extensively reforested. While the trees are still small seedlings, they will grow to bind carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as well as serving as air and water filters.
Thilo Schmid, chairman of the executive board at Cologne/Bonn, said: " The project in Cologne's Königsforst is another building block in our numerous sustainability-orientated activities. It is precisely because of its regional significance as one of the most popular local recreation areas for the people of Cologne that it has a very special significance for us as a company rooted in the Rhineland."
Cologne/Bonn Airport aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 65% by 2030 and plans to be carbon neutral by 2045. As early as 2035, apron access is to be limited to vehicles and equipment with zero-emission drives. Other initiatives include the use of intelligent building technology in terminals and cargo halls, the expansion of a sustainable energy infrastructure, an in-house combined heat and power plant, photovoltaic systems on the cargo halls and the ongoing conversion to LED lighting.
