JetBlue’s Sophia Mendelsohn is Named “Sustainability Leader of the Year” At Ethical Corporation’s Responsible Business Awards

Oct 24, 2016 11:15 AM ET

October 24, 2016 /3BL Media/  - Sophia Mendelsohn, JetBlue’s head of sustainability, has been named Sustainability Leader of the Year by Ethical Corporation during their annual Responsible Business Awards held in London in September. The Responsible Business Awards honor leading sustainability practitioners from across the globe and celebrate some of the best organizations, initiatives, and people in responsible business.

The Sustainability Leader of the Year award is presented to a sustainability or corporate responsibility executive that has driven systemic change in their company. Not only does the award mean the winner has effectively managed risk, but it also shows that responsibility-related opportunities have been integrated into their business offerings and operations.

Ms. Mendelsohn has led JetBlue’s sustainability efforts since 2012. She is responsible for shaping policies and practices that enhance JetBlue’s competitive advantage and reduce environmental impact. Under her leadership, JetBlue will be implementing electric ground-support vehicles at several airports. The airline also recently announced one of the largest renewable jet fuel purchase agreements in aviation history, and the largest, long-term, binding commitment by any airline globally for HEFA-based renewable jet fuel.

At JetBlue, Ms. Mendelsohn has developed a plan for better onboard recycling and she has even opened the world’s first blue potato farm at an airport. An experiment in ‘farm-to-air’ innovation, the T5 Farm at New York’s JFK Airport promotes New York agriculture while enhancing the JetBlue customer experience with more green space.

“I am honored to accept this recognition on behalf of JetBlue. Our sustainability initiatives are truly a team effort,” said Sophia Mendelsohn, JetBlue’s head of sustainability. “Systemic change requires top down vision, bottom up management and an operational focus.  With this combination, we are able to receive awards like this.”

View the full list of Ethical Corporation’s Responsible Business Awards winners here: http://www.ethicalcorp.com/winners-ec-awards-announced-london-ceremony

 

JetBlue’s Sustainability Focus - JetBlue believes in communicating transparently about climate change. The airline is committed to taking steps to address the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from its flights and JetBlue empowers and inspires its customers and crewmembers to offset GHG emissions when they fly. The airline is constantly looking for ways to become more fuel efficient and embrace efficient technologies. For example, JetBlue planes feature Airbus' Sharklets, which improve aerodynamics and cut fuel burn and emissions. For more on JetBlue’s work to reduce emissions, visit jetblue.com/green

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline® and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 32 million customers a year to 97 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 925 daily flights. For more information, please visit JetBlue.com

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