Heathrow is the first airport to achieve SBTi validation for its 2030 carbon reduction goals
Heathrow Airport has released its 2022 Sustainability Report, a year after the launch of its refreshed sustainability strategy, Heathrow 2.0: Connecting People and Planet.
"Heathrow 2.0 is an umbrella strategy that brings together sustainability goals from across the airport, aiming to reduce emissions in the air and on the ground, while delivering for the local community as a responsible neighbor," explains a press release.
In 2022, Heathrow’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive scheme was implemented. Airlines representing 76% of flights at the airport have made a commitment to at least 10% SAF usage by 2030. This year, Heathrow’s SAF incentive is expected to save over 81,000 tons of CO2. On the ground, numbers of passengers using public transport to get to the airport has steadily improved to 43% in Q4 2022. The upward trend should be supported by completion of the Elizabeth Line with direct services from East London during 2023.
"Heathrow is pleased to have achieved science-based validation from the SBTi for its 2030 carbon reduction goals, confirming they are consistent with a 1.5 degree carbon reduction trajectory. Heathrow is the first airport to achieve this status with SBTi’s updated 1.5 degrees standard.
"This year, Heathrow will be focused on developing nature positive and zero waste strategies. The progress made in 2022 on Heathrow 2.0 demonstrates the incremental change required to reach its overarching carbon goals – 15% cut in carbon from flights and at least 45% carbon cut on the ground by 2030, whilst remaining a responsible neighbor."
Becky Coffin, Director of Sustainability and Communities, said, "I am pleased with the achievements we have made during 2022, launching the Giving Back Program, pledging to support one million people by 2030 whilst bringing more local businesses into our multi-million-pound supply chain. The progress achieved gives us a strong platform to build on as we deliver on our promise to do right by our neighbors."
Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon, added, "A year on from the launch of Heathrow 2.0, I am thrilled our 2030 carbon reduction goals have achieved SBTi validation and are consistent with a 1.5 degree carbon reduction trajectory. We still have a long way to go, but our world-leading SAF incentive program demonstrates that greener, cleaner flying is possible."
