Commitments
We aim to reduce our energy use and carbon footprint by introducing efficiency measures, new and improved technology and by raising awareness of environmental issues
• Demonstrate a corporate commitment to reducing CO2 levels
• Promote staff awareness of energy efficiency issues
• Identify and introduce new technology
• Provide automatic control systems where possible
• Set targets and measure performance against them
• Use the energy management system to measure performance levels
• Publicise improvements in performance
Carbon Footprints, Carbon Neutrality, Emissions Trading; all part of the new language of climate change. Climate change is becoming part of everyone’s consciousness. We all have a part to play in tackling it and as part of the aviation industry, the Airport Company is acutely aware that it is no exception. Despite the tone of some of the coverage of aviation’s role in climate change, aviation is not the biggest or the fastest-growing polluter. In fact, aviation contributes 3.4% of the world’s CO2 emissions and these emissions will grow at 0.7% per year; less than the 2% for power generation, 1.7% for transport on average, 1.6% for industry and 1% for the residential / commercial sector.
Nevertheless, there can be no room for complacency and the industry continues to commit money and resources to find new technological and operational solutions that will reduce air travel’s contribution to the global problem. Most noticeably, aircraft have become 70% more fuel-efficient than they were 40 years ago. Birmingham is proud to be home to many green fleets including Flybe’s Q400 and Embraer 195 aircraft, and Ryanair’s 737-800 aircraft, all of which move people for less fuel burn and lower emissions per seat than the smaller and older types. Birmingham Airport also participates in the Airport Operators Assocation CO2 on the ground reduction programme that aims to reduce emissions from holding, taxing and from aircraft on stand.
As a responsible business, it is important that we reduce the amount of CO2 that we produce. To achieve this, we review our energy use all the time to ensure we are being as efficient as possible.
In 2011 we installed 200 solar panels on the roof of our terminal that will save 22 tonnes of carbon a year and generate 40,000 kWh a year, sufficent to power 12 average sized homes. This is the first reneable energy and zero carbon installation on the Airport site and is part of a wider project to improve energy management and reduce our cabon footprint.
Birmingham Airport's Climate Change Adaptation Report