Net Zero Emissions | Sustainability

Airport Emissions

In 2019 we signed the Airports Council Europe pledge to reach Net Zero for direct emissions before 2050. In our Second Decade of Change, we’ve accelerated the goal to do it before 2030.

We holds Airport Carbon Accreditation at level 3+ ‘Neutral’ level for direct emissions (Scope 1 & 2 Fuels and Electricity).

We were the first airport to join RE100, the global coalition committed to renewable electricity. Energy efficiency is incorporated in refurbishments and capital projects, from the terminals to the airport fire station.

40% of Airfield ground support equipment is electric, including baggage tugs and a growing number of pushback tugs and high-loaders.

Our runway uses 100% LED lighting

In 2017 we completed phase two of a multi-year runway lighting upgrade. We installed over 550 LED ‘threshold and approach’ lights that guide incoming aircraft. Our main runway lighting moved to LED in 2012.

LED lights provide a crisper light output. And they are 50% more energy efficient than the previous halogen lights.

Our Carbon strategy

Our carbon strategy focuses on several key areas. Our annual carbon footprint is included in our Decade of Change reports.

Net zero emissions form part of our sustainability goals Carbon and Net Zero Emissions form part of our sustainability policy - our Decade of Change.

Efficient Airlines

A business model built around the most efficient airlines.

Buildings and Operations

Energy and fuel efficiency in our buildings and operations.

Airport Vehicles & Public Transport

Preference for low emission vehicles in airport operations. Promoting public transport for travel to the airport

Sustainable Aviation

In February 2020, Sustainable Aviation the UK industry coalition published its Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon 2050, becoming the first aviation industry body in the world to commit to net zero. This commitment to achieving net zero was strengthened through interim goals published in June 2021.

The roadmap shows that UK aviation can reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 while accommodating further growth, through a combination of in-sector emission reductions (from aircraft and fuel technologies and efficient operations) and international carbon pricing and offsets.

In October 2020, independent research for SA co-funded by Gatwick showed that 14 such plants could be operational by 2035, producing 4.5 million tonnes of SAF by 2050 and contributing 32% reduction in UK aviation carbon by that time.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

In October 2021, we partnered with easyJet, Q8 Aviation and Neste to complete a proof-of-concept demonstration that the existing aviation fuel infrastructure at the airport is ready to utilise certified A1 jet fuel that contains sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

During the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), flights from Gatwick to Glasgow used a fuel blend containing SAF.