It’s imperative to demonstrate transparency to our Stakeholders, so we use the GRI and CDP—two internationally recognized frameworks for communicating and managing our triple bottom line.
While the Global Reporting Initiative 
(GRI) is a framework for sustainability reporting that allows
organizations the opportunity to measure and report their economic, social, and environmental
efforts in a consistent manner, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a framework that allows
respondents to effectively manage their environmental risks, focusing on greenhouse gas
emissions and climate change strategies. Southwest Airlines voluntarily reports to both the GRI
and the CDP. Since both organizations invite reporting on climate change, they have recently
decided to coordinate frameworks for a more efficient reporting process for those of us, like
Southwest Airlines, who choose to respond to both. Using their guidance, we are introducing a
combined GRI and CDP index that depicts our GRI responses alongside the corresponding CDP
responses1 for calendar year 2011.
GRI
The 2011 Southwest Airlines One Report™ conforms to the principles outlined in the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines version 3.0 (G3) and fully complies with the GRI’s B+ application level. The GRI is a voluntary, internationally recognized framework for sustainability reporting that allows organizations the opportunity to measure and report their economic, social, and environmental efforts in a consistent manner. The GRI also offers a variety of application levels that show the extent to which G3 guidelines have been applied throughout the report and provide guidance on how organizations can continuously improve their reporting.
As Southwest Airlines’ third One Report, the 2011 One Report illustrates our continued steadfast focus on the triple bottom line—our Performance, our People, and our Planet. The 2011 One Report represents Southwest Airlines’ operations for calendar year 2011, unless otherwise stated, and covers only those business activities for which Southwest Airlines generally has complete control or ownership. This report does not include facilities primarily controlled by others, such as airport terminal space or outsourced or subcontracted facilities.
To develop the 2011 One Report, we increased our scope, boundary, and measurement methods used to develop the 2010 and 2009 One Report to include the AirTran acquisition. In 2011, we worked diligently to integrate AirTran data with Southwest Airlines’ data where available and feasible. Due to the AirTran acquisition, 2011 has been a transitional year for Southwest Airlines reporting, and AirTran data is integrated differently within each section comprising our triple bottom line:
- Performance: AirTran data beginning May 2, 2011, is included in Southwest Airlines Performance section data unless otherwise stated.
- People: AirTran data is excluded from People data unless otherwise stated.
- Planet: AirTran jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline consumption totals beginning May 2, 2011, are included in Southwest Airlines consumption totals. AirTran data is excluded from other Southwest Airlines data unless otherwise stated.
We will continue combining our metrics for increased transparency and disclosure where applicable. Southwest Airlines intends to continue releasing its Southwest Airlines One Report™ on an annual basis.
CDP
The 2011 One Report will serve as a template for responding to the Investor CDP 2012 Information Request. The CDP works to transform the way the world does business to prevent dangerous climate change and protect natural resources through communication and education. Companies who measure their environmental risk through the CDP questionnaire are better able to manage it strategically and compare their risks to others. Organizations that are transparent and disclose this information are providing decision makers with access to a critical source of global data that delivers the evidence and insight required to drive action. Since 2009, Southwest Airlines has voluntarily responded to the Investor CDP Information Request and in the 2011 One Report, we have decided to show our Shareholders how our own GRI index and CDP responses correlate.
| 1 | CDP responses for calendar year 2011 are due in May 2012, after the release of the 2011 One Report. |
