Southampton Airport has announced a reduction in its carbon footprint of 43%, despite a record two million passengers passing through the airport over the last two years.
This equated to a 10.9% emission decrease per passenger, roughly equal to the energy it would take for each passenger to watch TV for 56 hours. The total amount of carbon dioxide saved was 970 tonnes, equal to flying a plane 210 times around the world.
“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and growing sustainably,” said Amy Le Vieux, Safety, health and environment manager at Southampton Airport.
“That’s why every year we work with an independent organisation to produce a carbon footprint report which is shared directly with our stakeholders.
“We actively work on climate change by continuously looking for ways that can further reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout our processes and will aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.”
The airport has overseen a 6.9% decrease in electricity consumption, thanks in part to having LED lighting throughout 90% of the airport, being the first airport to use LED lighting on aircraft stands and installing 11 electric car charging points at the short stay car park.
The airport has also hailed emerging technology in the Internet of Things (IoT) as having helped to monitor the airport’s environment and adjust boilers and coolers.
It also recycles 65% of it waste and diverts the rest from a landfill to a special facility, where it is burned to generate electricity.
