Airport nears net-zero milestone

A North East transport hub is approaching the halfway point in its journey to net-zero after making significant progress on cutting carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy.

Newcastle International Airport has published its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, revealing a 46 per cent reduction in operational carbon emissions since 2019, bringing it close to its target of achieving net-zero by 2035.

Over the past year alone, emissions from the airport’s own operations fell by 19 per cent, supported by a range of sustainability initiatives. 

Its on-site solar farm generated more than 2.5 million kWh of renewable electricity during 2025 – enough to power around 900 average UK homes for a year – while more than 30 per cent of its vehicle fleet is now fully electric.

The airport also reduced transport-related carbon emissions by almost 60 per cent through the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in non-electric vehicles, exceeded its recycling target and retained Level 4 status under the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme.

Its environmental credentials were further recognised with a 100 per cent score in the 2025 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), ranking Newcastle Airport first in its sector for carbon reduction, biodiversity and sustainable travel initiatives.

Beyond environmental performance, the report highlights the airport’s wider community impact. 

More than £34,000 was raised for its charity partner, True Colours Theatre, while 12 local organisations received grants through the Airport's Community Fund.

The airport also continued its regional tree-planting programme, with more than 17,000 trees now planted across the North East, reinforcing its commitment to creating long-term environmental and social value alongside sustainable growth.

Alice Andreasen, chief corporate affairs officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are proud of the strong progress we are making towards achieving net-zero by 2035. 

“This report showcases the meaningful steps we’ve taken across the business and with our partners to drive lasting change, while continuing to work closely with our local communities to support initiatives that make a real difference. 

“By reducing our carbon emissions, even as passenger numbers continue to grow, we are clearly demonstrating that sustainability and growth can go hand in hand. 

“We now look forward to building on this success and delivering the next stages of our net-zero roadmap to push us closer towards achieving our goals.” 

The airport’s ESG report can be viewed here. 

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