Decade of Change: our sustainability policy to 2030
Our current Decade of Change policy takes us to 2030. It builds on the success of our first 10-point plan for a more sustainable Gatwick.
Our goals continue our great work on the community and local environment. And we will increase our emphasis on people and on emissions.
Our second Decade of Change to 2030 policy
We live, work and operate in a complex world that is changing all the time. Plans can change, dates may alter, and schedules move forward or push back.
Our approach to a sustainable London Gatwick remains focused on what matters:
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People and communities - We'll support our people and invest in our local communities. ![]()
Net zero - We'll continue our transition to net zero and improve air quality. ![]()
Local environment - We'll reduce our impact on the local environment and waste.
People and communities - We'll support our people and invest in our local communities. The goals in our Decade of Change policy align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), also known as the Global Goals. By meeting our goals, we are supporting the UK’s contribution to these global targets.
To learn more about how our goals align with the UN SDGs, see page 6 of our Second Decade of Change policy.
People and communities
Supporting our people and local communities
1. Local economy
Be a partner and advocate for a thriving resilient economy. Contribute to local and regional workforce skills initiatives.
2. Opportunity and accessibility
Increase workforce diversity through recruitment, training and retention practices. Ensure our colleagues and passengers have each access and opportunities.
3. Workplace safety
Be a leading airport for the safety, health and wellbeing of our workforce and passengers. Have a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
4. Local communities
Invest resources in programmes and partnerships in the region. Support the communities that are the most affected by our operations.
5. Noise
Limit and where possible reduce the impact of airport noise on local communities. Work with partners and stakeholders to create the most noise efficient operation possible.
Net zero
Continue our transition to a net zero London Gatwick
6. Airport emissions
- Achieve net zero for our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
- Source 50% of our network electricity and 50% of heat network from UK renewable sources by 2030. We will generate power onsite, and buy renewable energy direct from suppliers.
- By 2030, all on-airport vehicles must meet zero or ultra-low emission standards. This includes ground support equipment and mobile construction equipment.
7. Aircraft and ground transport emissions
- Playing our part in the UK aviation and ground transport transition to net zero carbon.
- Working with airlines and fuel providers to apply the Sustainable Aviation decarbonisation roadmap.
- Work with transport providers to increase airport passenger and staff use of public transport and zero and ultra-low emission journey modes to 60% by 2030.
Local environment
Protect and enhance the environment around our airport
8. Water
Reduce the airport’s drinking water consumption by 50% on a per passenger basis by 2030 (compared to 2019). Continue to improve the quality of water leaving the airport and work with partners to promote local water stewardship.
9. Waste
By 2030, ensure that all materials used in our operations, commercial activity, and construction are repurposed for beneficial use. This means repair, reuse, donate, recycle, compost, or convert these materials to fuel for heating or transport.
10. Biodiversity
Industry-leading 'net-gain' approach to protecting and enhancing biodiversity at the airport. This includes zero use of herbicides by 2030.
