Article from BTNews 3 FEBRUARY 2020
Heathrow offsetting for all passengers
A carbon offsetting plan for all passengers is being introduced at Heathrow as it moves toward becoming one of the first major facilities of its kind to go carbon neutral.
Following £100m in investments to decarbonise the airport, including switching to 100% renewable electricity and electric vehicles, Heathrow is now moving to offset the remaining emissions through independently-verified schemes.
A new Flight Footprint Calculator accessible from the airport website and launched in partnership with climate action streaming service Chooose enables passengers to calculate and offset the carbon footprint of their journeys
The programme supports a reforestation programme in Uganda, certified by the Verified Carbon Standard, and a wind farm in Costa Rica, certified by the Gold Standard, which address climate change by removing or reducing carbon emissions.
Heathrow director of sustainability Matt Gorman said the option was available via the website to all passengers regardless of airline and the airport was also working on a plan to trial offsetting kiosks in the terminals.
“Decarbonising the entire aviation industry is a priority and the industry has shown it is possible,” he added. “Since 2005, while UK passenger numbers have grown by 25%, there has been a 3% reduction in carbon emissions.”
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