Energy

Target 2006/07: To improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) created as a result of the airport’s energy use. Specifically for CO₂ derived from energy use to be less than 45,649 tonnes in 2006/7.
Performance against target: Target bettered

The issue

CO₂ is emitted from both aircraft and from transport to and from the airport. To read more about what we are doing to tackle these indirect impacts on climate change, see the section on BAA and climate change, and Surface transport.

Another source of CO₂ is from the generation of electricity and gas to provide the airport’s energy needs. This includes energy for heating and cooling the terminal, lighting, and operating services like the Track Transit System, the train used to transport passengers from the terminal building to their departure gates. BAA London Stansted has more direct control over these sources of CO₂ by managing the energy used at the airport.

Our approach

We are committed to supporting BAA’s energy strategy to reduce absolute CO₂ emissions from fixed assets by 15% by 2010 compared to 1990 levels; and to cutting CO₂ emissions from energy use at its airports by 30% by 2020.

Our airport strategy is to improve management of our assets to reduce energy consumption; and to work with other stakeholders at the airport to reduce emissions from vehicles and aircraft on the ground.

Our performance

In 2006/07 the CO2 derived from energy use at Stansted Airport was 42,369 tonnes. This is a reduction of 60 tonnes compared to 2005/06 levels, despite 1.6 million more passengers using the airport.

Our target for 2006/07 was for CO₂ derived from energy use to be less than 45,649 tonnes, we achieved 42,369, representing a saving of 3,280 tonnes against target.

The above results have been achieved through improved maintenance of our heating, ventilation and electrical power supply systems at the airport. In addition we have been working hard to explore the wider climate change issues around aircraft on the ground and vehicle emissions. A number of work plans have been developed in these areas which are still being finalised.

Some of the achievements during 2006/07 include:

• Identified upgrades to systems in terminal buildings, that use energy, in order to improve their efficiency and achieve significant CO₂ emission savings. Nine upgrades have now been included in Stansted’s capital investment programme;
• Unique work with easyJet and Boeing to increase the use of our Fixed Electrical Ground Power which will greatly help us reduce emissions from aircraft on turn around at the airport (see Air quality, for further information);
• Introduction of solar panel lighting on airport roads signs which use solar energy, thereby no electricity, and require no physical infrastructure development;
• Participation in the UK Sustainable Aviation Departures Code of Practice – an industry working group seeking to reduce noise and emissions from departing aircraft. Previously we were involved in the arrivals code of practice which helped introduce continuous descent approaches, which reduce both noise and emissions from arriving aircraft;
• Following a successful trial in 2006, 5% biodiesel has been introduced to the Stansted Business Park fuelling station. This can be used in all diesel engines and is generated from renewable sources. Since March 2007 over 40,000 litres have been used in our own vehicle fleet at the airport; and
• Plans for the terminal extension (construction started in April 2007) to incorporate biomass boilers which will burn renewable forms of fuel and reduce the terminal’s carbon emissions by 1,824,000 kg per year, effectively making the extension project carbon neutral.

Our plans

During 2007 BAA London Stansted will specifically:

• Review and re-issue Stansted’s energy strategy by 31 December 2007;
• Work to achieve a 5% reduction of CO₂ derived from energy use against business as usual forecast by 31 December 2007, as stated in our 2007 target;
• Continue to work with our stakeholders to champion solutions that reduce emissions from energy consumption, aircraft ground operations and road vehicles; and
• Continue to support BAA's initiatives to seek international solutions to aircraft emissions in the air.

Target 2007:
CO2 derived from energy use to be less than 44,469 tonnes.

Data summary