East Midlands Becomes First UK Airport to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

7th September 2012

East Midlands Airport has today announced that it is the first airport in the UK to have reached its challenging target of carbon neutral ground operations by 2012.

The airport made a commitment in 2006, following the launch of its masterplan and has implemented an extensive programme of carbon reduction investing over £4 million in World-leading projects over the last six years to meet its commitment. In particular, the airport focuses on producing renewable energy and has succeeded in achieving a string of UK firsts. Last year, carbon emissions were reduced by a further 3,578 tonnes through energy reduction and the introduction of renewable energy, meaning that East Midlands Airport is now in its first financial year of carbon neutral operations. As part of M.A.G, East Midlands Airport is renowned for its dedication to the environment and works hard within the industry to share best practice and look at ways in which carbon emissions can be reduced. Neil Robinson, Corporate Affairs Director, M.A.G said: I'm delighted and proud East Midlands Airport has become the UK's first airport to have carbon neutral ground operations. It is a considerable achievement and the result of a lot of hard work by an extremely dedicated team. Today's announcement is the strongest possible proof that we have gone farther than any other airport in the UK and we're looking forward to sharing our experience across the industry to reduce carbon emissions. Being part of a larger airport Group has allowed East Midlands Airport to contribute to the targets set by Government and we will continue to work closely with our industry partners and airlines to make a further positive contribution. The announcement was made as part of the release of the Group's Corporate Social Responsibility report, which outlines their achievements in a number of areas, including the environment, the community, colleagues and customers. The report was verified by the Global Reporting Initiative and was awarded an A+ level. East Midlands Airport has also today released its local sustainability investment report, aimed at informing the community of the achievements during 2011/12. In addition, over the past year, the airport has remained focussed on balancing the need of the surrounding communities, whilst successfully contributing to regional economic growth. A key focus has been placed upon providing benefits of employment and supporting education for the workforce of the future. Highlights from the report include: · FirstUK airport to plant an on-site 26 hectare willow farm, producing fuel for a bio-mass boiler to be installed in the terminal building. · FirstUKairport to install two on-site wind turbines, providing 5% of the airport's electricity. · Construction of theUK's 'greenest' hotel on site, which was the first hotel to achieve the 'Excellent' BREEAM rating. · Achieved the highestUKairport recycling rate of 88%, well exceeding the 40% target. · The introduction of the Aerozone in 2010, led to over 2,706 students being educated in the interactive learning zone in 2011/12. · The East Midlands Airport Community Fund supported 116 projects, investing over £76,290. · 61 airport employees clocked 559 hours volunteering in community projects. · EastMidlandsAirportis powered by 100% renewable electricity. · Newly installed, interactive education resource,EastMiniland's, has offered a fun, learning experience to students visiting the on-site education centre, the Aerozone.