News

Airport recognised for cutting carbon emissions

By Jack Sommers
June 28, 2011

PLANES from Farnborough Airport might be pumping carbon dioxide into the sky but the airport itself has been praised for its green efforts.

TAG Farnborough Airport has been awarded Airport Carbon Accreditation at the ‘reduction’ level, the second highest of four possible ratings and one up from the airport’s previous rating.

The award relates to the airport’s buildings and operations but not the planes that land and take off.

Airport bosses said the accreditation demonstrates the airport's commitment to minimising the effects of business aviation on the environment.

To achieve this status, the airport provided evidence of a cut in the carbon emissions between 2008 and the end of 2010.

The Airport Carbon Accreditation is the independent certification programme for airports’ emissions standards.

The airport says it is working towards the ultimate goal of Airport Carbon Accreditation at the 'neutrality' level, the greenest level available.

TAG carried out a site energy survey in conjunction with the Carbon Trust.

In response to the survey, the airport installed remote monitoring of gas and electricity, automatic senses and replaced lighting with PIR and LED technology.

Miles Thomas, the airport’s environment manager, said: “Through Airport Carbon Accreditation our next environmental challenge is to develop carbon reduction strategies in conjunction with our tenants and service providers.”

Olivier Jankovec, director general at ACI Europe, said: “The actions taken by TAG Farnborough Airport to reduce its own CO2 emissions speak volumes about how seriously the airport is treating the issue.

“Business aviation plays an important role in the grand spectrum of air travel and airports with strong credentials are vital to attracting foreign direct investment for the region they serve.

“I congratulate TAG Farnborough Airport on advancing up a level of Airport Carbon Accreditation and on its ongoing proactive environmental strategy.”

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