London Stansted marks five years of sustainability progress with new strategy launch

London Stansted Airport has published its latest Sustainability Report, highlighting major achievements over the past five years and setting the stage for a new phase of action with its updated plan, Creating a Sustainable Future for All.

image: London Stansted Airport

The report showcases progress across three core priorities — Zero Carbon Airport, Opportunity for All, and Local Voices — with milestones including:

• A target to reach net zero carbon operations (scope 1 and 2) by 2038.

• Planning approval and construction of a 14.3MW on-site solar farm — the first of its kind at a London airport.

• Launch of the Jet Zero curriculum to educate young people about sustainable aviation fuel at the Aerozone education centre.

• More than £7.6 million in local business generated through Meet the Buyers events.

• £665,000 donated to community organisations via the Stansted Community Fund.

The airport also rolled out high-speed EV chargers, celebrated 10 years of its school mentoring partnership with Forest Hall School, and supported over 5,000 jobseekers through its Airport Academy. The Aerozone welcomed its 25,000th visitor since opening in 2015.

Gareth Powell, Managing Director of London Stansted, said, “The past five years have seen excellent progress across our sustainability priorities, even amid the challenges of the pandemic. From pioneering renewable energy projects to supporting local people through education and employment, we’re building strong foundations for a net zero future.”

Looking ahead, Stansted’s new five-year Sustainability Strategy, Creating a Sustainable Future for All, builds on more than two decades of environmental commitment. The plan reinforces the airport’s drive to achieve net zero by 2038 while ensuring local communities continue to benefit from jobs, education, and engagement opportunities.

“We’re determined to grow responsibly,” Powell added. “Our ambition to increase our passenger limit to 51 million a year will go hand-in-hand with our sustainability goals — ensuring Stansted remains a leader in responsible aviation.”