Heathrow claims it has become the first major airport to make its infrastructure carbon neutral as it sets out a goal to target net zero emissions by the mid-2030s.
The airport said it has reduced emissions from its buildings and operations by 93 per cent compared to 1990 levels, partially thanks to investment of more than £100 million in improving its energy efficiency, as well as generating and purchasing renewable energy. It added that the remaining 7 per cent of emissions – including those from heating – will now be offset through tree-planting projects in Indonesia and Mexico certified through the Verified Carbon Standard, for which it has purchased 27,244 credits for its 2018 emissions.
However, Heathrow said offsetting is only a temporary measure and it will invest in improvements to sustainable transport links. It will also ensure it meets its target to transition all of its cars and small vans to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The airport will invest a further £1.8 million in UK nature-based carbon saving projects for 2020. The money will be used to support the restoration of the country’s “carbon sinks”, such as peatlands, woodlands and farming soils. According to the Committee on Climate Change, projects such as these have the ability to help save 43 mega tonnes of carbon annually by 2050.
The first project to receive funding from Heathrow will be a new native woodland creation at Ledmore near Ullapool in Scotland. In partnership with Forest Carbon, the project aims to cover 87.4 hectares and will help explore opportunities for further woodlands creation in the UK to deliver carbon offsetting alongside other benefits such as biodiversity, as well as better soil and water quality.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye commented: “Making our infrastructure entirely carbon neutral is a significant milestone and a testament to the determination of our airport to help spearhead a new era of sustainable aviation. Our sights are now set on working with the global aviation industry to deliver on net-zero by 2050, at the latest. We can and will cut the environmental cost of flying whilst keeping the benefits of travel for future generations.”
The airport’s pledge comes after the UK aviation industry formed the Sustainable Aviation coalition to commit to becoming net-zero by 2050.
Heathrow will also be rolling out the “Target Net-Zero” plan to back Sustainable Aviation’s goal. It will outline how the airport will decarbonise its infrastructure and work with partners to develop sustainable aviation fuels and electric aircraft.
Heathrow has faced backlash from environmental groups since Parliament approved its proposal to build a third runway and grow capacity, with local communities and politicians taking the decision to court over fears the project will see carbon and noise emissions increase.