Seven UK & Irish Airports that have achieved Carbon Neutrality

A busy scene at London City Airport (Image: UK Aviation Media)
A busy scene at London City Airport (Image: UK Aviation Media)

Six UK airports have already achieved Carbon Neutrality according to Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme (ACA).

According to the ACA, to achieve ‘Level 3+ Neutrality’ status the airports must meet the following criteria:

  • Determine emissions sources within the operational boundary of the airport company.
  • Calculate the annual carbon emissions.
  • Compile a carbon footprint report.
  • Provide evidence of effective carbon management procedures.
  • Show quantified emissions reductions.
  • Offset remaining emissions for all emissions over which the airport has control with high quality carbon credits.

Most airports are achieving this by the use of alternative energy, such as creating their own solar farms or using bio-energies.

Other factors include the use of energy-efficient lighting and heating such as LEDs for the airport’s navigation and safety lighting and switching to electric vehicles.

Electric vans at Dublin Airport
Electric vans at Dublin Airport

The remaining Carbon footprint is then offset using approved Carbon Offsetting schemes.

UK & Ireland Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality Airports

AirportAirport Authority
London GatwickGatwick Airport Ltd
London City AirportLondon City Airport Ltd
Manchester AirportManchester Airports Group
East Midlands AirportManchester Airports Group
London Stansted AirportManchester Airports Group
TAG Farnborough AirportTAG Farnborough Airport
Dublin AirportDublin Airports Authority

Overall European Picture

All together the ACA says there are currently 51 accredited airports in 15 countries at Level 3+ ‘Neutrality’ which represents 25.9% of European air passenger traffic.

About Nick Harding 2018 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.