AIRPORTS in the UK have cut their greenhouse gas emissions by just more than half (50.6%) since 2010, while passenger numbers have risen by 41% over the same period.
The figures came from the Airline Operators Association (AOA) as it launched its decarbonisation report at its annual conference.
They showed that in 2010, the 18 airports accounting for more than 95% of passengers emitted 514,331 tonnes of CO2e that year from sources they controlled (Scope 1 & 2 emissions) while welcoming 201.7m passengers through their doors.
In 2019, those same 18 airports accounted for 249,824 tonnes of CO2e, 50.6% less than in 2010, while seeing 285.8m passengers, an increase of 41.7%.
The figure is based on the energy used at those airports, known as location-based emissions.
If the renewable energy purchased by those airports is included (market-based emissions), then overall emissions fell by around 80%.
The AOA’s decarbonisation report set out the further actions airports are taking to reduce their energy use, invest in sustainable energy and heat generation, working with third parties to reduce emissions by airlines, ground-handling companies, passengers and people working at the airports, or near them.
Among the measures is a first for a Scottish airport as Edinburgh makes moves to build a solar farm on its airfield.
Work is due to begin on the 11-acre site later this year, before it goes live next summer.
The project, part-funded by the Scottish Government, will see the solar farm constructed at the end the runway from where it will generate around 26% of the airport’s energy needs upon completion. Edinburgh airport is currently finalising the process of appointing a contractor to deliver the project.
Other actions AOA members are considering include investing in renewable energy generation, including solar farms, investing in zero-emission vehicles used on-site, improving the energy efficiency of equipment and buildings and scoping options to invest in using or generating renewable heat at airports.
They also want to upgrade airspace to make the most of the capabilities of modern aircraft and reduce noise impacts and emissions and encourage staff and passengers to use sustainable transport to the airport, including working with local, devolved and UK governments to invest in sustainable surface access.
“Thanks to significant efforts, airports have achieved a major reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions they control since 2010 and this is testament to their commitment to sustainable aviation growth,” said AOA chief executive Karen Dee.
“Despite this record of achievement, more needs to be done to reach net zero. Our decarbonisation report shows that airports take that responsibility seriously and are setting out pathways to further emission reductions.
“Emissions from airport sources is, of course, not the whole picture. Aircraft emissions account for the majority of the aviation sector’s greenhouse gases. Here, too, airports are stepping up to the plate.”
Dee added: “Working with universities, aerospace manufacturers, power supply companies and many others, UK airports are at the heart of trialling future aviation propulsion technology and getting airport infrastructure ready for a net-zero aviation future.
“As we come out of the pandemic, now is the time to consider how we build back better to achieve that net-zero future.”
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