Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the UK, has a comprehensive sustainability policy and set of goals to minimise its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
Here are some of the key aspects of Heathrow's sustainability policy and goals:
Carbon reduction: Heathrow has set a target to become a zero-carbon airport by 2050, which includes a 70% reduction in carbon emissions from airport-related activities by 2020. They are implementing a range of initiatives to achieve this goal, such as investing in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.
Noise reduction: Heathrow has committed to reducing the number of people affected by aircraft noise, including a pledge to introduce a six-and-a-half-hour ban on scheduled night flights.
Waste reduction: Heathrow has set a target to increase its recycling rate to 70% by 2020, and aims to send zero waste to landfill by 2030. They are implementing initiatives such as waste reduction campaigns and using recycled materials in construction.
Water conservation: Heathrow aims to reduce its water consumption by 30% by 2020, through measures such as using recycled water for irrigation and investing in water-efficient equipment.
Biodiversity: Heathrow has a biodiversity strategy in place to protect and enhance the airport's natural environment, which includes the creation of new habitats and the conservation of existing ones.
Community engagement: Heathrow is committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and minimise the airport's impact on the surrounding area.
Public transportation: Heathrow is promoting public transportation as a more sustainable option for travellers to get to and from the airport. They are also investing in improved public transportation infrastructure around the airport, such as bus or rail connections.
Overall, Heathrow's sustainability policy and goals are comprehensive and ambitious, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions, waste, and water consumption, as well as promoting biodiversity and engaging with local communities. With growing pressures across the aviation industry there will always be demands for more and until a fully sustainable flying alternative is found, airports and airlines will need to show a willingness and proactive approach towards become more efficient and sustainable.