Luton airport has demonstrated that it is ‘transforming its operations to achieve carbon reductions in line with global climate goals’, according to new official accreditation.
It has become only the third major UK airport to achieve level four of an Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme – the highest available without the use of offsetting.
The globally recognised carbon management programme, overseen by Airports Council International (ACI), that independently assesses and recognises efforts to manage and reduce airport carbon emissions.
Key initiatives include:
- Collaboration with airlines to increase the number of quieter, more fuel-efficient next-generation aircraft operating from the airport – reducing airline emissions by 20% per aircraft
- Finalising plans for the installation of a 10Mwp solar plant at the airport that will generate enough green energy to satisfy 25% of the airport’s electricity demand
- Transitioning to alternative sustainable fuels as well as continued investment in electric vehicles
The fully automated, electric Luton DART connecting the terminal and the mainline railway at Luton airport parkway station was also introduced earlier this year in a bid to encourage passengers to travel by rail rather than car.
The DART has carried more than one million passengers within the first six months of operation.
ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec said: “I’m delighted to see that London Luton Airport has reached level four of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme.
“This means the airport is now implementing a long-term carbon management strategy with absolute CO2 emission reductions in line with the Paris Agreement – along with a comprehensive partnership programme to trigger CO2 reductions from their operational partners and third parties using the airport.
“London Luton airport’s progress within the programme and this latest advancement of accreditation is truly impressive and reflects their unwavering dedication to sustainability.”
Airport chief executive Alberto Martin added: “London Luton airport (LLA) is committed to sustainable aviation and achieving the highest level of the ACA programme is a significant milestone, demonstrating our commitment to minimising the environmental impacts of the airport.
“LLA has taken important steps to set an ambition to be net zero in its carbon emissions by 2040.
“However, we recognise there is still a great deal of work to be done, continuing to demonstrate our focus on delivering on our sustainability commitments for our passengers, industry and local community.”