Midlands airport making progress towards 2033 net zero target after emissions fall
Birmingham airport says carbon emissions are continuing to fall after releasing its sustainability report for the most recent financial year.
The airport, which handles around 12 million passengers every year, says carbon emissions have reduced by 25% against a 2019 baseline figure following a switch to a 100% renewable energy supplier two years ago.
The figures are included in the airport's latest sustainability update report, a third report of the company's five-year sustainability strategy, intended to provide updates on objectives and targets to reach its goal of net zero by 2033.
Simon Richards, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer commenting on the report said: “In just the last year, tremendous steps have been taken working towards our goal of low-carbon growth and to be a Net Zero Carbon Airport by 2033.
“We have always been honest in our approach to this goal in that there is no one set solution. We have committed to work closely with our on-site partners and suppliers but also engage heavily with our peers to ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of all we do. Our Sustainability Strategy keeps us on target and measurable in our actions, ensuring we reach our goal.”
The airport was also awarded Level 3 Optimisation Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) from Airports Council International (ACI) Europe for a second year. The category, benchmarked against 500 airports worldwide, heavily scrutinises the airport’s decarbonising activities and stakeholder engagement.
The report comes two weeks after the airport lodged a planning application with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to increase the number of night-flights taking place at the airport, which it attributes "in part" to the more intensive use of the aircraft over a longer operating day employed by an increased number of low-cost airlines using Birmingham. If approved, the changes could see up to 7,600 night flights landing at the airport by 2026.
"In collaboration with the Airport Consultative Committee a review is underway to update the current Night Flying Policy," said a spokesperson.
"This review will take the airport through the next three years ensuring growth forecasts are enabled, unlocking wider benefits to the airport and West Midlands region."
