London Gatwick Airport Achieves Top Environmental Certification, Accelerates Net Zero Commitment

London Gatwick Airport Achieves Top Environmental Certification, Accelerates Net Zero Commitment

(IN BRIEF) London Gatwick Airport, part of VINCI Airports network, has achieved Level 4+ ‘Transition’ certification in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme, making it the 13th airport within VINCI Airports to reach this highest level of environmental recognition. The ACA 4+ certification signifies that the airport has fully accounted for and reported its direct and indirect CO2 emissions, significantly reduced its direct emissions, offset its remaining direct emissions, and initiated steps to reduce indirect emissions. London Gatwick has already reduced its direct emissions by 28% since 2018 and has committed to being net zero for its own Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, in alignment with global climate goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 26-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — London Gatwick has achieved Level 4+ ‘Transition’ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme and becomes the 13th airport within VINCI Airports network (10 in Portugal, 2 in France) to reach the highest level of this ACI’s environmental assessment programme, the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports.

The ACA 4+ certification recognises that airport has fully accounted for and reported its direct and indirect CO2 emissions from its activities and operations, has significantly reduced its direct emissions, offset its residual direct emissions and has started to reduce indirect emissions.

Thanks to the deployment of VINCI Airports’ decarbonisation plan, the airport has already reduced its direct emissions by 28 % since 2018. In addition, to achieve Level 4+ ‘Transition’, London Gatwick was required to set out a policy commitment, alongside detailed targets, trajectories and action plans to reduce emissions in line with global climate goals.

Key to achieving this accreditation was also London Gatwick’s Stakeholder Partnership Plan. This sets out how the airport will drive third parties on the airport campus to reduce their emissions, either through their own reduction plans or measures initiated by the airport.

Earlier this year, London Gatwick accelerated its commitment to be net zero for its own Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, 10 years ahead of its previous commitment. This brings its ambition in line with all other airports operated by VINCI Airports in the European Union.

This will be achieved by investing over £250 million to reduce carbon emissions, including by moving to an electric vehicle fleet and replacing gas boilers and refrigerants with low carbon alternatives.

The airport will also continue to reduce overall energy use, invest in on-site renewable energy, including solar power, and source renewable electricity through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

Stewart Wingate, London Gatwick Chief Executive Officer, said: “Reaching Level 4+ of the Airport Accreditation Scheme is a significant milestone on the journey to making net zero a reality. Achieving net zero will be critical to the future success of the airport. We remain committed to reducing our environmental impact, while also continuing to contribute positively to our communities and helping our local and national economies to thrive.”

About London Gatwick

London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and is a vital piece of national infrastructure that helps drive both the regional and national economy. More than 40 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 45 long-haul destinations. The airport is focused on rebuilding and growing sustainably in the long term. It has ambitious plans to be a net zero airport by 2030 and increase capacity by bringing its Northern runway into routine use. VINCI Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99% interest.

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SOURCE: VINCI