A year after the launch of the sustainability strategy "Heathrow 2.0: Connecting People and Planet," a report was released outlining the airport's progress. The report explains that more than half of the commitments to achieving net-zero aviation and making Heathrow a great place to live and work have been marked as "on track" or "progressing."
In 2022, Heathrow's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentives program was launched, with airlines, which represent 76% of the airport's flights, committing to use at least 10% SAF by 2030. This year, the Heathrow SAF incentive is expected to save more than 81,000 tonnes of CO2. On the ground, the number of passengers using public transport to get to the airport has steadily improved, reaching 43% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The upward trend should be supported by the completion of the Elizabeth Line (suburban passenger train service) with direct services from East London during 2023.
Additionally, Heathrow received scientific validation for the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its carbon reduction targets for 2030, confirming they are consistent with a 1.5-degree carbon reduction trajectory. "Heathrow is the first airport to achieve this status with the updated 1.5-degree standard of the SBTi."
This year, Heathrow will focus on developing nature-positive and zero-waste strategies. The progress made in 2022 in Heathrow 2.0 demonstrates the gradual change needed to achieve its global carbon goals: a 15% reduction in flight carbon emissions and at least a 45% reduction in ground carbon emissions by 2030 while remaining a responsible neighbor.
"I am pleased with the achievements we have made during 2022, with the launch of the Giving Back Program, the commitment to supporting one million people by 2030, and the addition of more local businesses to our multibillion-dollar supply chain," said Becky Coffin, Director of Sustainability and Communities at the airport.
Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon, also stated that "a year after the launch of Heathrow 2.0, I am delighted that we have achieved our carbon emission reduction target for 2030. We still have a long way to go, but our world-leading SAF incentives program shows that it is possible to fly in a more environmentally friendly and cleaner way."
For advertising opportunities press HERE.