Heathrow launches refreshed sustainability strategy

Heathrow has released its plan for the decade ahead with a refreshed sustainability strategy – Heathrow 2.0: Connecting People and Planet.

The programme of work outlines how the airport will build back better with sustainability front of mind, as the nation and aviation industry emerges from the pandemic and ramps up to recovery. The airport’s plan sets out an ambitious series of goals over the next decade to tackle the growing climate emergency, decarbonise flight and continue to improve the area around the airport for those who live and work in it.

The programme of work builds on Heathrow’s previous sustainability strategy launched five years ago, this time offering a streamlined framework divided into two leadership pillars of work, targeting net zero aviation and ensuring Heathrow is a great place to live and work. The objectives set out in Heathrow 2.0 are the result of consultation with local and national stakeholders. Achieving these goals will enable the airport to remain a sustainable employer for future generations and protect the benefits of aviation in a world without carbon.

To keep the airport on track to deliver net zero aviation by 2050, Heathrow’s ambition is to ensure 2019 was the year of peak carbon at the airport. To deliver on this commitment, its goal is to reduce carbon from flights by up to 15% compared with 2019 and to cut at least 45% of on the ground carbon emissions by 2030.

Heathrow is introducing measures which will minimise noise, improve local air quality and invest more in the airport’s local communities to enable its closest neighbours to share in the benefits and success of having the UK’s hub on their doorstep. The airport’s sustainability strategy is also resolute in its commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, with colleague wellbeing placed at the heart of the business’ priorities, providing everyone with the tools to thrive at Heathrow.

John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive, Heathrow, said: “The launch of our refreshed Heathrow 2.0 strategy is a landmark moment in our sustainability journey, one which accelerates the shift in our industry towards a greener future. Decisive action needs to be taken this decade to remain on track for net zero and 2.0 sets out the roadmap to get us there. Not only will we cut carbon, but our ambitious strategy will maintain Heathrow’s leadership in innovation, social mobility and community engagement.”

In 2022, Heathrow 2.0 commits the airport to:

• In a UK airport first, introduce a Sustainable Aviation Fuel based incentives programme for airlines, encouraging partners to invest in SAF, reduce their carbon footprint and help to hit Heathrow’s carbon reduction targets.
• Develop a Nature Positive Airport Plan to continue to strengthen and showcase biodiversity management at the airport.
• Launch a new Giving Back Programme detailing Heathrow’s community investment strategy and volunteering programmes that will benefit at least one million residents.

Over this decade, Heathrow 2.0 commits the airport to:

• Set industry-leading carbon targets, committing to cut ‘in the air carbon’ by up to 15% compared with 2019 levels and reducing ‘on the ground carbon’ emissions by at least 45% compared with 2019 levels.
• Maximise the materials used at the airport that are repurposed, moving Heathrow towards becoming Zero Waste.
• Introduce an airside ultra-low emission zone by 2025.
• Generate at least £6.5 million in funds for the independent Heathrow Community Trust charity.
• Reduce areas affected by noise, introduce new alternation patterns, and increase nights without aircraft relative to 2019.
• Provide 10,000 external jobs, apprenticeships and early career opportunities for local people.
• Provide 15,000 experiences of the workplace.
• Ensure diversity levels within all rungs of the leadership ladder reflect the diversity levels of Heathrow’s local community.