Birmingham Airport has released plans to become carbon neutral by 2033, stating that an ‘ambitious target’ is needed ahead of the UK’s aim to reach a net emissions level of zero by 2050.

Having already cut emissions by 33 per cent since 2013, the airport is looking to improve further. This will be done primarily through on-site renewable energy forms rather than focusing on carbon off-setting schemes, which the airport sees as ‘the least favourable option.’ Past efforts to improve sustainability at the airport have included the installation of 200 solar panels on the roof of the terminal. These were installed in 2011 and generate around 40,000 kWh a year, enough energy to power twelve average-sized homes.

Moving forward, Birmingham Airport is working with Sustainable Aviation, a group aiming to provide a long term strategy for creating a ‘cleaner, quieter, smarter future’ for all those working in aviation related industries. The organisation reports that each new generation of aircraft is 20 percent more efficient than the last, and with new government support for sustainable fuels there is further possibility for an overall reduction in emissions.

Nick Barton, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, has spoken on the topic, saying, ‘we don’t have all the answers about how we will hit this target, but we are confident that through innovation and collaboratively working with industry, government, manufacturers, on-site partners and employees, we can reach our target by 2033.’

These new commitments come amidst growing national and global concerns for the fate of the planet, which have been brought to light by the recent Extinction Rebellion protests and climate strikes taking place all over the world.

Birmingham Airport intends to release an updated Sustainability Strategy later this month, which will outline the airport’s future plans with regards to environmental and community impacts over the next five years.