Birmingham Airport has reported a further reduction in its carbon emissions despite welcoming more passengers over the past year.
The airport says its location-based greenhouse gas emissions fell by 11 per cent during the 2025/26 financial year, while passenger numbers increased by six per cent over the same period.
According to the latest figures, Birmingham Airport reduced its annual emissions by 798 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), bringing total emissions down to 6,455 tonnes. The airport says this represents a 38 per cent reduction compared with 2019/20 levels.
Airport officials attribute the latest reductions to a combination of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency projects and the use of lower-carbon fuels across its operations.
More than 6,500 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity are now produced annually through solar panels installed on site. The airport estimates this saves more than 1,150 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Additional savings have been achieved through upgrades to lighting, heating and ventilation systems, as well as wider improvements to building efficiency. Operational changes introduced during the year also reduced energy consumption by 543 MWh, preventing an estimated 100 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The airport has also expanded the use of vehicles powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) following a successful trial. HVO is a renewable diesel alternative produced from waste materials and can significantly reduce emissions compared with conventional diesel fuel.
Birmingham Airport estimates that using HVO has prevented around 131 tonnes of carbon emissions during the reporting period.
As a result of these measures, emissions per passenger fell by 16 per cent over the year, reflecting improved operational efficiency as passenger numbers continued to grow.
Earlier this year, the airport achieved Carbon Accreditation Level 4 for the first time, recognising progress made in reducing emissions and managing its environmental impact.
Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability at Birmingham Airport, said the latest results represented the airport’s strongest year yet for carbon reduction.
He said:
“We’re incredibly proud to share that this period has been the most successful in reducing our carbon emissions yet. Reducing emissions requires consistent action over many years rather than a single initiative, and these results reflect the cumulative impact of investments we have made across the airport.
“We are focused on delivering changes that effectively reduce our environmental impact while supporting the needs of passengers, airlines and the Midlands region.”
Birmingham Airport has set a target of reaching net zero carbon emissions from its direct operations by 2033 and says it continues to explore further opportunities to cut energy use.
Alongside reducing emissions from its own operations, the airport is also working with airlines, suppliers and other partners to tackle emissions generated through aircraft activity and passenger travel to and from the airport.
Initiatives include encouraging the use of more sustainable transport options for passengers and supporting the aviation industry’s move towards lower-carbon fuels.
Mr Denton added:
“We know we still have work to do, but it is clear we are on track to achieve our net zero goal. Every year we are reducing the emissions associated with running the airport and we are determined to maintain that momentum.”
