Gatwick has today published its second Decade of Change sustainability policy which looks ahead to 2030 and sets out the airport's goals on the transition to Net Zero, contributing to local environmental stewardship and supporting the local economy, people and communities.
The 2030 goals take account of local and national sustainability priorities and will enable Gatwick to play its part in national and international action to deliver on the Paris Agreement to limit climate change and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The new Decade of Change policy - the second of its kind produced by Gatwick - focuses on a renewed set of 10 goals set over the next 10 years, including:
Transition to Net Zero and further improve local air quality:
Reduce the airport's own direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by a further 25% by 2030 - so that emissions have reduced by 80% against a 1990 baseline - as part of a science-based goal of reaching net zero before 2040
Work with airlines and fuel providers to implement the Sustainable Aviation decarbonisation roadmap and interim goals; and set a science-based target for Gatwick
Working with transport partners to increase public transport and zero and ultra-low emission journeys to 60% by 2030
Local environment stewardship:
Achieve zero waste by ensuring that all materials used in operations, commercial activity and construction are repurposed for beneficial use i.e. repaired, reused, recycled etc
Reducing potable water consumption by 50% per passenger, compared to 2019 levels
Continue a sector leading net gain approach to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and habitats on the airport, including zero use of pesticides by 2030
People and communities:
Continue to be a partner and advocate by continuing to invest resources in partnerships and projects which benefit the local economy and local people
Continue to contribute to local and regional workforce skills partnerships and initiatives
Increase workforce diversity and ensure accessibility and opportunity for colleagues and passengers with disabilities
Limit and where possible reduce the airport's impact on local communities by working with partners and stakeholders to create the most noise efficient operation possible
Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport said: 'We met or exceeded our first Decade of Change goals and as we enter the second decade our commitment to a sustainable Gatwick is stronger than ever. Our policy recognises the importance of taking an integrated approach to economic, societal and environmental issues and solutions.
'By combining a healthy economy, sensible use of financial resources, human and technological innovation, teamwork and partnerships, over the next ten years Gatwick will work towards becoming a net zero airport, conserving water and sustaining good jobs and strong, inclusive employment, to benefit the local community, the environment and the economy.'
Gatwick also reported today on the airport's sustainability achievements over the past year, which has been heavily impacted by the effects of COVID-19 and a significant downturn in passenger volumes. Key achievements for 2020 that support the local community and environment, include:
95% of Gatwick flights being operated by the two cleanest categories of aircraft
Reusing or recycling 67% of the 3,787 tonnes of materials collected across the airport's operations and maintaining zero untreated waste to landfill for the fifth consecutive year
Gatwick's Biodiversity Benchmark accreditation was renewed for the 7th consecutive year
Gatwick spent GBP48m with local and regional suppliers during 2020
Gatwick Foundation Fund awarded 23 grants totalling GBP100,000 to community groups that help over 15,000 people; and the Gatwick Airport Community Trust awarded grants totalling GBP230,000 to 113 projects
More than 100 laptops were issued to support local students with home schooling during the pandemic and four more apprentices joined airport's engineering apprenticeship programme.
About Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is the UK's second largest airport and flies a range of both short and long-haul point-to-point services. The airport is a vital piece of the UK's national infrastructure and is also a major driver for both the regional and national economies. In 2019, a new long-term partnership was formed with VINCI Airports which purchased a 50.01% stake in the airport.
About VINCI Airports
VINCI Airports, the world's leading airport operator, manages 45 airports in 12 countries in Europe, Asia and on the American continent. Though its expertise as a comprehensive integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and operates airports, leveraging its investment capacity, international network and know-how to optimise operational performance, modernise airports and manage their environmental transition. In 2016, VINCI Airports was the first airport operator to commit to an international environmental strategy aimed at achieving net zero emissions over its entire network looking to 2050. All information available on www.vinci-airports.com
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About Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)
GIP manages the remaining 49.99% interest in Gatwick, is an independent infrastructure investor that makes equity investments in high quality infrastructure assets in the energy, transport and water/waste sectors. GIP has US$68 billion of Assets under Management. Its 41 portfolio companies operate in over 51 countries with more than 67,000 employees and generate annual revenues of circa US$51 billion. For more information on GIP please visit http://global-infra.com
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