Social Responsibility

Social responsibility that extends beyond our customers, employees and shareholders to the global community is a key part of Embraer’s success. The Company is committed to reducing our environmental impact both in processes – aiming the ecoefficiency in our industrial plants – and in products, through better aircraft designs focused on optimizing fuel use and, more recently, incorporating Design for Environment tools in the product development process.

In addition to our environmental work, Embraer is developing the next generation of Brazilian leaders with the creation of two advanced high schools for talented young students from low-income families in the communities where it operates.

Embraer established its Environmental Strategies and Technologies Office in 2007 to develop specific environmental vision, targets and projects, considering the whole product life cycle, including environmental requirements to the supplier chain. Embraer is fully engaged in industry-leading work on biofuels and sustainability programs. In 2002, Embraer became the first aircraft manufacturer to develop an aircraft powered by biofuel with the introduction of the ethanol-powered Ipanema crop duster.

Today, Embraer is an active participant in several sector wide initiatives to develop drop-in biojet fuels across the world. In 2007, Embraer established a dedicated R&D team, whose object was: to support the aviation sustainable growth promoting the development of a renewable and sustainable bio-jet fuel (significantly reduction of aviation CO2 emissions), to work in cooperation with stakeholders to foster the development, certification and scaling up of biojet fuels and evaluate the potential impacts of biofuel on Embraer products, if any.

Embraer invests heavily in technology and safety, and in 2002 was the first aerospace manufacturer to achieve the ISO 14001 certification. Embraer’s comprehensive sustainability management system -- the Environmental, Occupational Health, Safety and Quality Integrated Management System (SIG-MASSQ) integrates Embraer employees, third-party vendors and partners into the environment, health, safety and quality ensuring our operations promoting sustainability. In 2008, Embraer achieved its zero-waste goal for its factories including 100% hazardous waste recycling.

Embraer’s executive jet portfolio is the most fuel efficient and greenest in their respective classes. Executive jets meet or exceed standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – CAEP/6 Emissions and Stage 4 Acoustic requirements by leveraging new technology to lower emissions and reduce noise.

In 2011 Embraer has earned a place on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index - coordinated by SAM (Sustainable Asset Management), which recognizes companies for their exceptional economic, environmental and social performance. Last year, Embraer ranked first on the index among thirty companies in the aerospace and defense sector. Embraer has also been listed on São Paulo Stock Exchange Sustainability Index since 2005 and a signature member of the UN Global Compact since 2007.

Embraer Aircraft Holdings, its US subsidiary, has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its environmental stewardship in joining the EPA’s National Priority for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) to reduce the use or release of 31 toxic chemicals found in manufacturing processes.

Promoting education
Embraer has long been active in its communities from employee-generated support to corporate efforts. Embraer’s dedication to education led to the development of the foundation of the Embraer Institute of Education and Research (IEEP), established in 2001. Just one year later, the Embraer Juarez Wanderley School, a model high school focusing on academic excellence for 600 students coming from the public school system, became the Institute’s first success story.

The full-time (10hours/day) school, located in the city of São José dos Campos, next to its Eugênio de Melo Unit, was named in the memory of former Embraer President and CEO Juarez Wanderley, who, during a 24-year career, was a champion of education and training-based initiatives to improve employees’ skills and knowledge. The Embraer Institute provides full support for the school that is one of the five best-ranked in the State of São Paulo and one of the top 30 in the country. As of 2012, more than 1,600 students had graduated, with 100% passing college entrance exams and more than 80% going to public universities.

In March 2012, the Institute announced the opening of a second high school, the Embraer Casimiro Montenegro Filho School, to be located next to Embraer’s Botucatu Unit, in outstate São Paulo. Embraer is investing approximately R$ 5 million in the school, making it possible for 360 less-privileged students to attend classes through scholarships. The educational model developed and perfected throughout the ten-year history of the first Embraer High School is based on three objectives: academic excellence, career guidance, and cultural, social and environmental preparation.

All the financial resources invested by the Embraer Institute, be it in own projects or in partnerships, are provided by Embraer, its sole maintainer. Learn more about the Embraer Institute.

Social Responsibility

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