The new strategy outlines Heathrow’s sustainability commitments. Credit: Tomek Baginski / Unsplash.

Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the UK has announced its refreshed sustainability strategy for the next ten years, with new targets to address climate risk.

Called Heathrow 2.0: Connecting People and Planet, the new plan builds on a previous strategy that was launched five years ago by the company.

The new strategy will focus on net-zero aviation and make Heathrow a ‘great place’ to live and work.

Under its new strategy, the airport intends to introduce a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)-based incentives programme for airlines this year to encourage LHR’s partners to make SAF investments and reduce their carbon footprint.

To bolster biodiversity management at the airport, Heathrow intends to develop a Nature Positive Airport Plan.

This year, the airport will also launch its Giving Back Programme, which will include its community investment strategy and volunteering programmes, as well as outline Heathrow’s commitments for this decade.

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It aims to reduce up to 15% ‘in the air carbon’ and at least 45% of ‘on the ground carbon’ emissions in comparison with 2019 levels.

Heathrow also aims to transition towards becoming Zero Waste by increasing the use of materials at the airport that are repurposed.

By 2025, Heathrow plans to introduce an airside ultra-low emission zone and reduce areas affected by noise and launch new alternation patterns.

Over the coming ten years, the airport intends to offer 10,000 external jobs, apprenticeships and early career opportunities to local people.

Through its new strategy, Heathrow will also extend the London Living Wage to all the 1,3000 people working in its direct supply chain.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “The launch of our refreshed Heathrow 2.0 strategy is a landmark moment in our sustainability journey, one which accelerates the shift in our industry towards a greener future.

“Decisive action needs to be taken this decade to remain on track for net-zero and 2.0 sets out the roadmap to get us there. Not only will we cut carbon, but our ambitious strategy will maintain Heathrow’s leadership in innovation, social mobility and community engagement.”

Additionally, Heathrow launched its Sustainable Travel Zone, which includes subsidised travel routes to and from the airport.

Last September, Heathrow started testing Amadeus-developed touchless bag drop technology at the airport.

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