BIRMINGHAM Airport saw emissions rise last year following a surge in passengers as Covid restrictions were lifted.
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report 2021/22 published by Birmingham Airport reveals its emissions for 2021/22 in a bid to ‘increase transparency’ as it strives to be net zero by 2033.
The report says the 12 per cent rise is in line with the increase in passenger numbers and the reopening of areas that were closed during the pandemic.
A total of 979,327 travellers passed through the airport in 2020/21, rising to 3,673,356 in 2021/22.
Included in the report are emissions from aircraft on-stand power, engine testing and customer and staff journeys to work.
The report states: “It is very likely energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions will continue to increase into 2022/23 as the Airport returns to pre-pandemic passenger levels.”
This is the first time the airport has released these figures, which it says invite greater levels of public accountability as it progresses towards its goal of becoming a net zero carbon airport by 2033.
Part of the multi-million-pound net zero plan is to source 40 per cent of its electricity from solar energy.
Simon Richards, finance director for Birmingham Airport, said: “We’re publishing this report because we want to make our journey to net zero carbon in the right way by doing the right things.
“We want to be held to account. We welcome scrutiny. And we want new ideas. Which is why we’re revealing greater detail on our greenhouse gas emissions than ever before.
“If you really want, you can monitor our use of refrigerants year on year, tracking our progress to reduce them. If it produces greenhouse gases, it’s in there.”
