The UK’s Birmingham Airport has announced its commitment to become a net zero carbon airport by the year 2033, prioritizing zero carbon airport operations and minimizing carbon offsets.
The airport has already cut its carbon emissions by 33% since 2013, and emissions per passenger by over 50%, despite growing passenger numbers by 40%.
Nick Barton, Birmingham Airport CEO, explained, “Technology is changing at some pace and the movement to a net zero economy itself is driving innovation across the energy and transportation industry, and we are going to take advantage of this.
“Over the next 6 to 12 months, we will be working to revise our existing carbon management plan and develop a roadmap. This will enable us to set and prioritize genuine carbon reduction objectives rather than carbon off-setting schemes, as we see this as the least favorable option.
“We don’t have all the answers about how we will hit this target, but we are confident that through innovation and collaboratively working with industry, government, manufacturers, on-site partners and employees, we can reach our target by 2033.”
Birmingham Airport works with the organization Sustainable Aviation, which is made up of airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air traffic service providers, toward a common goal of cleaner, quieter and smarter aviation.