Airports reducing carbon footprint despite growth
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UK airports have reduced their carbon footprint and noise despite adding new flights and passengers, according to a new report.
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) study has shown the airport industry has grown sustainably with the carbon footprint for the UK’s busiest 18 airports dropping 3% in two years despite passenger numbers increasing more than 5%. The 18 airports account for 95% of the UK’s air traffic numbers.
“This report is an important contribution to the debate around whether our sector can successfully expand without increasing its carbon and noise impacts. It demonstrates that our country’s airports, which are so crucial to the economic wellbeing of the UK, can grow sustainably, even more so if given proper policy support,” said Darren Caplan, chief executive of the AOA. “The report shows that airports are keeping to their side of the bargain, investing and innovating to reduce their carbon footprints, and working through industry coalitions to reduce noise.”
The AOA has now asked the government to work with the sector to incentivise the use of sustainable aviation fuels to stimulate production although several airlines are already looking into their own fuel options for the future.
The association also urged for the government to work on guidance that means homes near airports are compatible and do not cut across national aviation policy. While airports are expected to limit the number of those affected inside a particular area, there are currently no rules for developers who occasionally build in areas the airports are asked to control. The report said more than 5,700 homes have been given planning permission that will be affected by aircraft noise.
“We now need to see a partnership approach with government to take sustainable airport development to the next level. We urge ministers to step up to the plate and do their bit to deliver supportive policy on issues such as supporting sustainable aviation fuels, promoting a global carbon emissions trading scheme, and providing consistent national and local planning policy which helps airports limit and reduce the number of families living inside noise contours, thereby reducing the number of people experiencing noise annoyance from aviation,” said Caplan.
Heathrow Airport welcomed the new report as it continues to battle against Gatwick as the chosen expansion choice for the Davies Commission. The environment and noise are the main factors against expanding the airport.
Matt Gorman, Heathrow sustainability director said: “The findings of this report make it clear that Heathrow can continue to contribute to the UK’s economic growth while minimising its impact on local communities and the environment. Heathrow has published extensive details on how we can add to our airport capacity, whilst meeting both air pollution limits through new public transport options, cleaner vehicles, as well as limiting noise through new landing approaches, and working proactively with airlines.”
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