The airport published its sustainability plan on Wednesday (18 May) in which it details the steps it would take between now and 2030 to hit its targets.
These include phasing out gas heating, ensuring all airport vehicles become electric, and becoming a zero waste and zero single-use plastics business. It has also pledged to reduce indirect emissions occurring throughout its value chain.
The airport wants 80% of all journeys to and from the airport to be made by sustainable modes of transport by 2030. In 2019, 73% of passengers accessed the airport by public transport and other more sustainable options.
A recent poll, commissioned by London City and conducted by YouGov, found 82% of passengers believed sustainability was among the biggest issues facing aviation.
The poll also found that respondents expected an uptick in the use of sustainable aviation fuels over the next 10 years, and the arrival of zero-emission flights within the next 20 years.
Robert Sinclair, London City chief executive, said it was “imperative” the aviation industry rebuilt itself in the right way following the pandemic.
“We hope all of our partners and stakeholders will welcome our ambition not just to decarbonise, but to play a meaningful role locally, right across the ESG [environmental, social and governance] agenda,” said Sinclair.
“Given our size, location and the nature of our route network and operation, we are ideally placed to help shape the next phase of aviation innovation in London, establishing it as a global leader of the net-zero economy, supporting innovation, research and development and creating jobs for the amazing young people of this city.”
