Local environmental impacts
We know that our business has an impact on the environment and the communities around our airports. We work hard to reduce the environmental impacts that result directly from our operations and where these are outside our control, we exert our influence to bring about change. Finding answers to these challenges is a crucial part of our success.
Impacts such as noise and air quality impact local communities and we try to build good relations with the communities around our airports so that we can operate and grow our airports through discussion and agreement. We listen to and consult with our local communities and our activities are influenced by their views.
The main local environmental impacts are noise, air quality, surface transport, waste, water and land quality, water use, sustainable construction and biodiversity.
Noise
Aircraft noise - caused by take offs and landings, taxiing and engine testing - is an important issue for communities living near airports and under the flight paths.
We monitor aircraft noise levels and departure tracks and fine airlines that break noise limits. We also handle noise related public enquiries and complaints and have produced clear communications so people can understand the different elements of aircraft noise. As part of our work we liaise closely with airlines, air traffic controllers and local authorities to meet our objectives.
Visit our airport noise websites for full details of all aspects of our work: Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
Air quality
Aircraft and vehicles at and around our airports emit a number of pollutants, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM10) which have an impact on health and the environment. However, airports are not the only contributors to local air pollution - at Heathrow, for example, air quality is also affected by M4 and M25 traffic.
We work to tackle our own emissions and to help airlines and other companies do the same. We do this by:
- Improving air quality assessment at airports
- Influencing airlines to cut emissions from aircraft
- Reducing emissions from ground vehicles
Surface transport
Traffic to and from our airports can cause congestion in the local communities around our airports and it has a negative impact on air quality. Reducing congestion around the airports and improving public transport links was one of the main goals of the Government's aviation white paper and is crucial if airports are to operate and grow sustainably.
Our key objective is to increase the number of passengers and staff using public transport to get to our airports and we're doing this by improving public transport access at our airports:
- Our Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect rail links serve all terminals at the airport.
- We opened a new public transport interchange at Stansted Airport which has enabled an expansion of routes from the airport
- At Gatwick we've been successful in retaining the Gatwick Express service which was under threat.
- We're working with bus operators and those promoting direct rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.
Waste
Airports generate large amounts of waste, including a considerable proportion from companies involved in cargo handling, retail, flight catering and aircraft maintenance. Each year, we manage contracts covering 50,000 – 60,000 tonnes of airport waste and we'd like to reduce this where possible.
By adopting a more responsible approach, our aim is to lower the cost of airport waste management, reflecting national and local sustainability objectives. By 2010, we aim to recycle 40% of waste and by 2020 to divert 100% of waste from landfill. To achieve this we will reduce waste and increase recycling,
As most of the waste produced at our airports is generated by our customers and contractors, our greatest role is to work with these groups to encourage good waste management practices.
Water and land quality
As our airports cover large areas of land, they create large amounts of runoff water which has to be effectively managed to comply with environmental standards before being discharged. Each airport has an environmental management system that deals with the water and land quality in accordance with Government legislation.
We aim to protect the environment through a responsible and proactive approach to water quality management, and to comply with regulations now and in the future.
Water use
The issue: Water is a valuable resource, one that needs to be used sparingly. As a major infrastructure provider we use significant volumes of water in both our operations and capital developments – it is essential that we take a responsible approach to water consumption.
Our approach: Our approach to water consumption first demands an understanding of how much is used and where. This is achieved by regular monitoring, targeting and leak detection. We’ve used low water technologies in our new building developments and introduced water conservation practices within our existing buildings.
Biodiversity
Noise and air pollution resulting from everyday running of an airport can impact on local biodiversity. Airport construction can also cause loss of habitat for local plant and animal species. We work with local communities and organisations to conserve biodiversity on sites near our airports.
We're making the most use of existing land for airport developments and where possible not building on green spaces. Where there is no viable alternative, we work with those affected to mitigate and/or compensate for biodiversity impacts. We try to conserve biodiversity on-airport and on-site, with aircraft safety a priority. All our airports have developed biodiversity action plans.
Sustainable construction
Developing our airports has a direct impact on the environment through energy and resource use, the building materials we use and the production of waste. Local communities are also affected by large construction projects.
We aim to ensure sustainability is built into all our construction projects and we focus on:
- Making our buildings more energy efficient and promote the use of renewable energy
- Reduce and recycle construction waste
- Improve the sustainability of materials used in construction projects
- Promoting the efficient use of water and other resources
- Work with our suppliers to improve sustainability practices
For more detailed information on any of these issues please see our Corporate Responsibility Report 2007.
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