NATS doubles flight carbon emissions savings in 2010 as it strives for 10 per cent reduction target by 2020

NATS doubles flight carbon emissions savings in 2010 as it strives for 10 per cent reduction target by 2020 | NATS

(image: NATS)

 

Thu 14 Apr 2011 – Following its target to reduce air traffic management (ATM) related CO2 emissions by 10 per cent per flight by March 2020 against a 2006 baseline, UK air navigation service provider (ANSP) NATS says it enabled 50,000 tonnes of CO2 savings in 2010, double that of 2009.  In 2008, NATS became the world’s first ANSP to set a target on reducing ATM carbon emissions. The company estimates that delivering even a one per cent reduction would save airlines around £45 million ($73m) a year.  Through engagement with airlines, over 260 near-term fuel and emissions saving opportunities have been identified. NATS has also managed to reduce the carbon footprint of its own facilities by 25 per cent since 2006.

 

During the past year, NATS has made more than 50 emissions improvements and last summer teamed up with British Airways and airport operator BAA to test out the concept of a ‘Perfect Flight’. The trial followed an optimised flight profile on the route between Edinburgh to Heathrow and proved potential savings of more than 10% on the usual emissions, amounting to 0.35 tonnes of fuel from gate to gate.

 

“The challenge now is to make this perfect flight more of a day to day occurrence in our network,” said Ian Jopson, NATS’ Head of Environmental and Community Affairs. “This will take time, but in the meantime we’re looking to deliver short-term benefits in fuel burn and emissions to our airline customers.”

 

Working with airlines such as British Airways, Flybe, Thomas Cook, Ryanair, easyJet and Loganair, NATS has set up regular Environmental Improvement Workshops in Swanwick and Prestwick to agree areas across the network where enhancements can be made.

 

NATS has also committed to lower its carbon estate – essentially reduce its own environmental impact on the ground. By January 2011, the carbon footprint had been reduced by 25% against a 2006 baseline, with energy consumption reduced by 25%, waste to landfill by 65% and water consumption by 35%.

 

“By continuing to optimise the efficiency of our buildings and making everyday changes to reduce our carbon footprint, we are on track to deliver transformational energy and CO2 performance right across the company,” added Jopson.

 

 

Link:

NATS - Environment

 

 


 

 

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