Bristol Airport has switched to a 100 per cent renewable electricity supply in a bit to reduce its carbon emissions .
The airport has signed a three-year agreement with global renewable energy supplier Ørsted that will save an estimated 14,000 tonnes of carbon across the site during the contract - equivalent to the emissions from driving 34 million miles in an average car.
The electricity in the terminal and other buildings will be switched, as well as a number of aircraft stands, which will reduce the need to use diesel-powered engines for pre-flight services.
Electricity is the largest contributor to carbon emissions from on-site airport operations, according to Bristol Airport.
The announcement follows the recent publication of a carbon roadmap setting out how the airport will become carbon neutral by 2025 for emissions within its direct control.
Simon Earles, planning and sustainability director at Bristol Airport, said: “From next month our terminal and other facilities will be powered by renewable energy – a significant step on our journey to carbon neutrality. There is more to do, but this is a clear statement of our intent to reduce our direct emissions.”
Ashley Phillips, managing director at Ørsted Sales (UK) Ltd added: “It’s exciting that an international airport like Bristol is placing such strong emphasis on sustainability.
"At Ørsted, we want to drive the transition to low-carbon energy systems in the UK, and support organisations like Bristol Airport that share this ambition of creating a greener energy future.”
Bristol Airport’s carbon roadmap includes a commitment to offset road journeys by passengers and explains how flights will be tackled through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation – an international agreement aimed at stabilising emissions at 2020 levels.
