Heathrow confirms it will seek to become one of the first major airports to have a carbon neutral infrastructure. The London airport hopes to have reached it’s target of zero carbon emissions by the mid 2030’s. This news follows the recent investment of over £100 million to improve energy efficiency and generate renewable energy.

At this present moment, Heathrow has reduced carbon emissions from it’s airport buildings and infrastructure by 93% since 1990. Heating is one of the elements that makes up the remaining 7% of airport infrastructure emissions. However, this remaining 7% will be offset through tree planting projects in Indonesia and Mexico. The offsetting projects are certified through the Verified Carbon Standard.

Heathrow are also placing focus on gaining momentum on existing targets for 2020. These include sustainable transport links and meeting targets to transition all Heathrow vans and cars to electric and plug-in hybrid.

Understandably, the above-mentioned figures do not include the greater impact from the aircraft which use the airport each day. To battle the wider problem, London Heathrow will need airlines to also make greater commitments to lower carbon emissions. The plans at Heathrow follow the recent statement from the UK aviation industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Our sights are now set on working with the global aviation industry to deliver on net-zero by 2050, at the latest. We can and will cut the environmental cost of flying while keeping the benefits of travel for future generations.”

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive.