Newcastle Airport is making strong progress towards achieving Net Zero Carbon status by the year 2035.
The award-winning Airport has published its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, in which its work with local communities, the region and business partners to create a more sustainable future has been highlighted.
Key takeaways from the company’s report include:
- The Airport has reduced carbon emissions by 4% between 2023 and 2024, contributing to a total decrease of 34% since 2019.
- The site achieved a 40% recycling rate, marking a 5% increase from 2023.
- The Airport’s solar farm, capable of providing 100% of the terminal’s electricity on a sunny day, prevented 478 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere - equivalent to the electricity needed to power 897 homes.
- Over 30% of the Airport’s vehicles are now fully electric and the introduction of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power non-electric operational vehicles has cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90%.
- The Airport achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4 status. With only 14% of all participating airports being at this level or higher, this is a clear indication of the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon emissions.
- The Airport scored 100% in the annual GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) assessment, only one of two airports in the UK to do so. GRESB evaluates organisations based on key environmental performance metrics – an increase from 99% in 2023.
- Thousands of pounds raised for the Airport’s official charity partner True Colours Theatre, which empowers children and young people through performing arts.
- Assisted 89,792 passengers who needed additional support in 2024.
The report also highlighted how strong partnerships with business partners have played a key role in supporting the Airport’s sustainability goals.
Last summer, an innovative new ‘Sustainability Champions’ group was launched – an initiative which brought together the Airport’s Sustainability Team and key commercial and airside operation business partners.
Meeting every two months, the group has already delivered strong results, including a 288% increase in food waste recycling.
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “Our ESG report showcases the fantastic progress we have made across the business to move us closer to our Net Zero goal.
“From reducing our carbon emissions by 4% year on year, to increasing our recycling rate to 40%, we are incredibly proud of everything we achieved last year.
“We recognise there is still more work to do but these results show that we are moving in the right direction to deliver a meaningful, lasting change that not only ensures that we have a sustainable future but also aligns with the cleaner, greener and fairer Net Zero North East ambition of the North East Combined Authority.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of the LA7 Airport shareholders, said: “Newcastle Airport continues to lead by example in the journey towards a greener future.
“These latest achievements reflect the Airport’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and align with our collective ambitions to be a low carbon region. Working collaboratively, we can continue to reduce our environmental impact and deliver benefits for our communities."
Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge, said: “The progress Newcastle Airport is making toward its Net Zero Carbon goal reflects a clear and consistent approach to sustainability.
“The reductions in emissions, increased use of renewable energy and improved recycling efforts are important steps. InfraBridge supports the Airport’s commitment to long-term environmental responsibility and looks forward to continuing to work together on these goals.”
The full ESG report can be viewed here.