Newcastle Airport has reduced its on-site carbon emissions by an impressive 46% compared to 2019, putting it significantly ahead of its target to reach Net Zero by 2035.
The major milestone follows a series of investments by the multi-award winning Airport to accelerate its sustainability strategy, including the switch to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power all non-electric vehicles across its site.
The low‑carbon biofuel - made from plant waste, oils and fats – is a cleaner alternative to diesel and helped cut emissions from its vehicle fleet by 59% in just one year.
The switch to HVO saved around 130 tonnes of carbon over the past year – equivalent to the emissions needed to power 142 UK homes.
Alongside the existing clean energy supplied by the on-site solar farm, further carbon reductions have been achieved through a range of initiatives designed to reduce gas use and improve energy efficiency across the Airport site.
Upgrades include the installation of rapid-rise doors in the baggage handling area, AirDoors at the terminal entrance and the decommissioning of the gas‑powered hot water system at outlets in the departure lounge.
The Airport’s decarbonisation efforts have also been strengthened by the UK’s shift towards a cleaner national electricity grid, and its strong progress aligns with the North East’s wider sustainability ambitions, including Newcastle City Council’s 2030 Net Zero target.
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “Achieving a 46% reduction in our carbon emissions since 2019 is a major milestone and clearly shows that we are well ahead of schedule on our journey to Net Zero by 2035.
“This progress is the result of decisive investment, innovative thinking and a shared commitment from our teams and business partners across the Airport.
“From switching our entire non‑electric vehicle fleet to HVO fuel to investing in more energy efficient measures, these changes are delivering a real, measurable impact as well as making economic sense.
“We know there is more to do but we remain fully committed to leading the way in sustainable aviation while supporting the region’s wider Net Zero ambitions.”
For more information about the Airport’s Net Zero journey, visit www.newcastleairport.com/corporate/community-and-sustainability.