Investigating the robustness of UK airport net zero plans

Abstract

Airports hold a critical role in the success of the air transport systems' transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions. As airport net zero targets and plans are released, it is necessary to establish their alignment with current best practice. A net zero for airports framework is developed through literature review incorporating sector-specific themes of importance. Publicly available net zero and sustainability documents of 14 UK airport organisations are reviewed against the framework. Most strategies align with best practice in terms of ‘approach’: prioritising emission reduction, describing implementation plans, and demonstrating immediate implementation.Two notable gaps emerge. Firstly, many targets have limited scope covering owned emissions only, failing to account for the total impact of the airport system. Industry guidance should be updated to facilitate the adoption of a more holistic approach for legitimate net zero claims. Terminology used in targets should clearly define scope to avoid confusion and accusations of greenwashing. Secondly, most airport strategies fail to present a clear plan for offsetting and greenhouse gas removal (GGR). To present comprehensive targets and credible plans, airport operators and the trade bodies that represent them should focus on rectifying these shortcomings to minimise exposure to risks.