Bristol Airport - Environmental Initiatives

[TheLocalYokel]

Bristol Airport has posted a lot of press releases in recent years concerning its environmental credentials and initiatives. Some have been copied to various threads within the BRS forum.

I've looked back at the airport's press releases for the past three years and have brought all those with a bearing on the airport and the environment together - see below links.

Given the ever-increasing focus on climate change vis-a-vis airports and aviation generally it might be a useful resource to quickly see what the airport has done and its future plans.

Further press releases on the subject can be copied to this thread and any discussion on them or about BRS and its actions re climate change/the environment can also find a home in this thread.

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/news-and-media/news-and-media-centre/2019/4/carbon-leakage

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab.../bristol-airports-ten-years-of-transformation

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...tre/2019/5/new-paper-cup-recycling-initiative

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...tonomous-vehicle-showcased-at-bristol-airport

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...-drivers-more-spark-with-new-ev-charging-zone

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...-centre/2019/7/bristol-airport-carbon-roadmap

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...witches-to-100-per-cent-renewable-electricity

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...19/11/easyjet-operate-net-zero-carbon-flights

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...brid-and-electric-aircraft-research-agreement

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...surface-access-will-be-carbon-neutral-in-2020

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...ility-of-electric-air-taxis-in-the-south-west

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...uel-as-part-of-carbon-neutral-flight-strategy

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...pace-industry-figures-pledge-towards-net-zero

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...nces-it-will-be-the-first-net-zero-uk-airport

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...port-leads-the-way-with-a-new-innovation-fund

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...-with-easyjet-to-trial-a-range-of-initiatives

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...l-airports-new-decarbonisation-fund-goes-live

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...ntre/2021/8/joos-takes-off-at-bristol-airport

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...9/bristol-airport-trials-electric-airside-bus

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...rtium-announced-leading-the-way-to-the-future

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Another environmental initiative at BRS this time in partnership with easyJet. BRS and easyJet say they have achieved close to zero emission aircraft turnarounds through the use of electric powered ground equipment instead of diesel.

BRS is being used as a test-bed by easyJet and successful results will potentially be rolled out across the easyJet network.

Press release:

Ultra-low emission aircraft turn initiative reduces CO2 emissions by 97%*

The aircraft turn trial – believed to be the first of its kind – is using electric ground vehicles to reduce emissions to almost zero

www.bristolairport.co.uk

Ultra-low emission aircraft turn initiative reduces CO2 emissions by 97%*​

Created: 28th Oct 2021

The aircraft turn trial – believed to be the first of its kind – is using electric ground vehicles to reduce emissions to almost zero

• Learnings from the Bristol Airport trial will help shape future operational changes
• This initiative is a further step to enable easyJet’s transition towards goal of net zero emissions

easyJet and Bristol Airport have announced they have achieved close to zero emission aircraft turnarounds through the use of electric powered ground equipment instead of Diesel. The initiative is part a collaboration between easyJet and Bristol Airport to decarbonise ground operations at the airport. The trial results have shown a 97% reduction in CO2 emissions using the daily data produced throughout September.

Switching to electric ground equipment including steps, baggage trollies, belt loaders and ground power units to service the aircraft between flights is one of a number of initiatives focused on reducing emissions. It forms part of a wider programme of cutting-edge developments and operational efficiency initiatives.

easyJet is using Bristol Airport as a test-bed to trial and implement the latest technological and innovative solutions for decarbonising its operations and reducing waste. Any successful results from the trials will have the potential to be rolled out across easyJet’s network which spans 150 airports across 35 countries.

The six-month trial commenced on 1 September 2021 using two dedicated aircraft stands used by easyJet aircraft. The results to date show a saving of 1721 kgs of carbon during the period the electrical equipment was in use with only 59 kgs used compared with 1780 kgs emitted using like-for-like diesel equipment.*

The joint partnership works with various expert associates and partners including TCR, DHL, ITW, Up and Away and Terberg.

Projects and trials will include work in the following areas:

• electric Ground Power Units
• Sustainable Aviation Fuels
• electric passenger coach transportation
• recycling and waste management
• employee carbon-saving initiatives
• supply chain carbon reductions
• aircraft continuous descent approaches
• zero carbon emission aircraft turnarounds
• NEO aircraft deployment and fleet optimisation

Johan Lundgren, CEO, easyJet, said:

“At easyJet, we want to play our part to lead the decarbonisation of aviation, so we are delighted to see the results of this successful trial which has create a meaningful reduction in operational emissions by embracing the technology available to us today.

“The learnings from the Bristol trial will help us shape our sustainability strategy for future operational changes – all of which will help enable easyJet’s transition towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“Alongside carbon offsetting and flying efficiently with a young, modern fleet, reducing the impact of our airport operations alongside our airport partners is an important component of our decarbonisation pathway while we are supporting the development of zero-emission aircraft for the future of flying.”

Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport said:

“This is an outstanding achievement by all partners involved. The trial has reduced aircraft turnaround emissions by 97%*. This is another demonstration of how working together, including partners and experts in their field, we are able to create a positive reduction in carbon emissions today.

“As an airport we are taking our commitments to address climate change seriously and this trial is only one initiative we are delivering on towards achieving a net zero airport operation by 2030.

“We will continue to work in partnership with easyJet to enable us to develop joint initiatives and projects to contribute towards decarbonising aviation and the creation of green jobs.”

Rob O’Dare, Airfield Technical & Compliance Manager, Bristol Airport added:

“Leading on sustainability projects of this nature, at the forefront of what is possible, is hugely rewarding.

“This project has been particularly satisfying as a result of the the teamwork demonstrated by the multiple participants, including amongst others EasyJet, DHL, TCR and ITW that was needed to pull this together.

“Many of those partners have invested in the trial significantly in terms of time and equipment at no cost, understanding that we are investing in the social responsibility the aviation industry carries.

“The low emission turnaround trial is just one of many initiatives Bristol Airport and easyJet are working on as part of our sustainability partnership.”

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Bristol Airport Achieves Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality Status

Bristol Airport achieves international recognition as the Airport is awarded Neutrality status for its direct emissions by the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme.

www.bristolairport.co.uk

Another environmental target reached early. Press release:

Bristol Airport Achieves Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality Status​

Created: 23rd Dec 2021

Bristol Airport achieves international recognition as the Airport is awarded Neutrality status for its direct emissions by the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme.

Bristol Airport has been independently accredited as having carbon neutral operations for its direct Scope 1 and 2 emissions, making it just a handful of airports to receive this prestigious certification. The award recognises that Bristol Airport has continued to fulfil the requirements of the scheme with reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and offset the remainder using internationally recognised offsets.

The accreditation is awarded by the Airports Council International (ACI) whose priority is to recognise and certify airports globally which map, calculate, reduce, optimise and, where necessary, offset residual carbon dioxide emissions. The Airport Carbon Accreditation Scheme is the only institutionally endorsed carbon management certification standard for airports; with independent assessment and verification requirements as an airport progress from just mapping its direct emissions footprint to transitioning to and recognises airports' efforts to manage and reduce their CO2 emissions.

This award is the second highest level of accreditation issued by ACI and requires the mapping of all sources of carbon emissions at Bristol Airport. This includes aircraft ground movements, transportation access to the airports, electricity and fuel consumption. The accreditation is externally verified in two stages, the first by an independent, qualified assessor and secondly by ACI against the requirements of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Scheme.

Bristol Airport had set a target of carbon neutral operations by 2025, but has achieved this target four years ahead of schedule. It is a major step forward in the Airport’s next aim to achieve net zero operations by 2030, where emissions will be reduced as much as technology allows, with any small remainder being removed from the atmosphere.

Back in the Summer, Bristol Airport announced its aim to achieve net zero operations by 2030. Bristol Airport made three key commitments to be a net zero airfield, with net zero buildings and operate a net zero fleet of vehicles.

Earlier this year, Bristol Airport launched a brand-new Innovation Fund to kick start and fast track decarbonisation initiatives in the South West. The £250,000 Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) Programme provided an opportunity for organisations and businesses to apply for grants of up to £50,000 to help develop technology that could help the aviation industry transition to zero carbon emission flight.

Bristol Airport announced a recent partnership with easyJet to decarbonise ground operations. This UK first trial resulted in a 97% reduction in CO2 emissions using the daily data produced throughout the month of September. This was a result of using electric powered ground equipment instead of diesel.

In the Autumn, Bristol Airport hosted business leaders for an event to focus on the development of an ecosystem for hydrogen in the region. The event joined forces with several companies to collaborate and form a consortium to look at the possibilities for creating the infrastructure that will serve the needs of hydrogen as a critical source of zero-carbon fuel in the decades ahead.

Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport said:

“The achievement of the neutrality accreditation is another huge milestone in our commitment to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. This award supports our long-term strategy in reducing our carbon emissions and is another example of us demonstrating our commitment to addressing climate change. The airport will continue to work closely with stakeholders and business partners in the aviation industry to help reduce and drive down carbon emissions as we have set out or own target on all airport operations being net zero by 2030.

I would like to thank all the teams at Bristol Airport for their hard work in achieving this incredible award. I am extremely proud of our efforts in reaching this milestone and it’s another step on our way to becoming one of the UK’s most sustainable airports. Sustainability is at the heart of Bristol Airport and everyone’s collective involvement is a testament to our team’s commitment and recognition in managing, reducing and offsetting carbon dioxide emissions under our control.”

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Today Bristol Airport sent this email to those on its mailing list.

Our commitment to sustainability A message from Dave Lees, CEO​

Dear customer, On behalf of everyone here, I'd like to wish you a very happy new year. It's been a pleasure to help reconnect family and friends over the last year and we look forward to welcoming you in 2022. Covid has shown what a world without travel would be like, which is why we want to make sure that flying becomes more sustainable and can be enjoyed in the decades to come. Carbon neutral in 2021 I'm proud of what Bristol Airport has achieved so far: Our airport operations are now carbon neutral - in December 2021 we were independently accredited as carbon neutral, meaning we've reduced the carbon emissions from our buildings and vehicles and used internationally recognised offsets for the remainder. We've achieved this four years ahead of our 2025 target. We use 100% renewable energy. Around 10% of our electricity comes from on-site solar panels, with the rest from renewable energy bought through the grid. Disposable coffee cups can now be recycled, water fountains have been installed to reduce the use of plastics and food scraps are used to generate biogas. Net Zero by 2030 But we're not stopping there. We aim to be the first major UK airport to achieve net zero emissions for our own operations by 2030 – this means that we’ll cut emissions from our buildings and vehicles and remove any remaining carbon emissions from the atmosphere. In the next 8 years you'll see our vehicles become electric or use other sustainable fuel sources. We’ve already started to use electric vehicles in our fleet and this year we'll welcome our first electric bus. We’re running a unique trial with easyJet using electric vehicles to service aircraft on the ground, leading to a 97% cut in emissions. We will also install more solar panels. Becoming a regional testbed We’re working hard to support our airlines to make the transition to net zero flights and are working in partnership with the region's aerospace companies, opening ourselves up as a testbed to bring forward new technology. And we're funding innovation directly - we've created a £250,000 annual Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) programme to fund and kick start the transition to zero carbon flights. I want Bristol Airport to continue to be a pioneer on sustainability ensuring people can continue to enjoy flying in the future, and hope you’ll join us on this amazing journey. Best wishes, Dave Lees, CEO​

 

[TheLocalYokel]

The latest of many environmental/sustainability initiatives involving Bristol Airport.

Bristol Airport announces partners for the first round of carbon transition funding

Bristol Airport has announced new partnerships with five organisations in the first round of funding from the Airport Carbon Transition (ACT) programme

www.bristolairport.co.uk

Bristol Airport announces partners for the first round of carbon transition funding​

Created: 7th Feb 2022

Bristol Airport has announced new partnerships with five organisations in the first round of funding from the Airport Carbon Transition (ACT) programme

The ACT programme is a fund launched by Bristol Airport in July 2021 to kick start and fast track decarbonisation initiatives in the South West. The programme supports initiatives and projects reducing direct and indirect emissions from Airport infrastructure with Bristol Airport being a test bed location.

A starting fund of £250,000 was open to businesses and organisations to bid and apply for funding with the projects being considered through an application and interview process.

Since the ACT programme was set up last summer, through the selection process Bristol Airport will collaborate with five organisations supporting innovation projects from the first round of funding. These organisations include Buckinghamshire New University, easyJet, Jet2, The National Wildflower Centre and Johns Associates Limited:

Buckinghamshire New University – The University will aim to tackle surface access and commuting emissions by conducting research to estimate the potential carbon and cost savings for Bristol Airport from the implementation of a number of feasible and controllable employee transport to work schemes and incentives.

easyJet and Jet2 – Both airlines will use funding to develop the infrastructure to accelerate the electrification of airside vehicles and equipment at Bristol Airport.

The National Wildflower Centre - Part of The Eden Project, the National Wildflower Centre will aim to transform spaces across the Airport site through creative ecology, feeding into the Airport’s wider biodiversity ambitions and supporting the enhancement of habitats that delivers the co-benefits of climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Johns Associates Limited – The environmental consultancy firm will investigate maximising opportunities for airfield grassland carbon sequestration through innovative biochar absorption.

Simon Earles, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Director, Bristol Airport said:

“We were thrilled by the range, scope and innovation of the applications to the ACT programme. The breadth of projects was staggering, including new to market technologies, university research programmes, carbon sequestration and energy or propulsion generation.”

Professor Warnock-Smith, Buckinghamshire New University, said:

“We are very much looking forward to working closely with Bristol Airport on its ambitious Airport Carbon Transition agenda, in the important area of employee ground access.

“This scheme builds on previous research carried out at both Buckinghamshire New University and Bristol Airport, which explores employee travel habits and preferences across a range of sustainable access alternatives.”