Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate Change
• Biodiversity
• Community Engagement
• Workforce Development
• Economic Growth

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced CO2 emissions by 29.5% compared to 2019 baseline (location-based methodology), 80.7% (market-based methodology)
• Achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2 ‘Reduction’
• Achieved Biodiversity Net Gain across 5.77ha of Airport land (96% net gain)
• Phase one of a 16MW Solar Farm constructed, generating up to 3MW of renewable electricity
• Planted 8,300 trees
• Zero waste to landfill since 2013

Social Achievements

• 98% of passengers passed through security in 6 minutes or less
• Assisted 56,392 passengers with reduced mobility
• Maintained Investors in People accreditation
• Achieved ISO 45001 accreditation for Terminal Operations, Training Academy, and Samson Executive Jet Centre
• Donated £30,000 to three local charities
• 12,743,618 social media engagements

Governance Achievements

• Secured first ever sustainable finance package, including a £15 million green loan
• GRESB score of 98, ranked 2nd in the UK for airports
• Implemented Anti-Bribery and Corruption Code of Conduct

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Noise complaints from communities west of the airport related to flight paths
• Reduced staff levels post-COVID-19 impacting security processing times
• Need to reduce Scope 3 emissions (passenger journeys, waste processing, etc.)

Mitigation Strategies

• Noise monitoring and abatement procedures, Noise Action Plan, WebTrak for public access to data
• Collaborative effort to maintain efficient security processing, security area redevelopment
• Solar farm development, green travel initiatives, stakeholder engagement on decarbonisation strategies

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Commitment to sourcing locally where possible

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather

Transition Risks

• Regulatory changes

Opportunities

• Development of energy-efficient products and services

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRESB

Certifications: ISO 45001, Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2

Third-party Assurance: Independent consultant

Awards & Recognition

• UK and Irish Airport of the Year
• Star UK Airport

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Economic Growth
• Workplace
• Community
• Environment

Environmental Achievements

• Overall reduction of carbon footprint by 31% compared to 2019 (location-based methodology), 73.4% reduction (market-based methodology)
• Phase 1 of 3MW solar farm completed, saving 395 tonnes CO2e
• 100% of waste generated on-site diverted from landfill
• Recycling rate increased to 35%
• 40,000m2 of hedgerows created and restored
• 8,300 trees planted in 2022 as part of the North East Community Forest project
• Achieved Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation

Social Achievements

• 95% of passengers passed through security in 6 minutes or less
• Supported almost 65,000 people with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities
• Launched quarterly ‘Spotlight Awards’ to recognize employee achievements
• Maintained ISO 45001 accreditation for Occupational Health and Safety
• Strategic partnership with Newcastle College’s Aviation Academy
• Received two industry awards: Best Airport up to 5 million passengers and Star UK Airport
• Named one of the top three least stressful airports in Europe

Governance Achievements

• Achieved a GRESB 5-star rating (99 out of 100), ranked 3rd globally among participating airports
• CSR Committee meets three times annually to oversee CSR Strategy implementation
• Abides by Anti-Bribery and Corruption Code of Conduct

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Noise complaints from communities to the west and south-west of the Airport, mostly related to early morning departures
• Surface access emissions (35% of baseline Scope 3 emissions in 2022), mainly from staff and passenger car use
• Limited public transport options mirroring the Airport's 24/7 operation

Mitigation Strategies

• Dedicated noise complaints inbox and Noise Action Plan
• Noise and track monitoring system
• Work to realize new bus services to the Airport
• Green travel initiatives for staff (Car Share Scheme, Cycle to Work scheme)
• Passenger travel survey to understand transport preferences
• Enhanced EV charging provision in car parks
• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme for permanent staff

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Sourcing locally where possible

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Opportunities

• Renewable energy generation
• Development of energy-efficient products

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRESB

Certifications: ISO 45001

Third-party Assurance: Independent consultant

Awards & Recognition

• Best Airport up to 5 million passengers at the Routes World Awards
• Star UK Airport at the Travel Bulletin Star Awards