Birmingham Airport publishes new sustainability strategy

Above: The new Sustainability Strategy 2026 – 2030 is available to view on the Birmingham Airport website here. 
Courtesy BHX

Split across 10 key strategic themes aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the new plan maps out key actions to support local communities, mitigate operational impact on the environment and be more energy efficient. 
 
The new strategy looks to build on significant progress already achieved towards becoming a net zero airport by 2033, which has resulted in a 30% reduction of direct emissions since 2019. Alongside continued management of noise levels, reduction in waste and water saving strategies, the airport has now committed to widening its focus to target indirect emissions by engaging and collaborating with key partners. 
 
To ensure third-party organisations are aligned with BHX’s strategic themes, suppliers and contractors working at the airport will be subject to due diligence checks and contract management processes as part of a new sustainable procurement policy. In a further bid to embed sustainability within the wider airport community, specialised engagement and training programmes will be delivered which recognise and promote sustainable business practices. 
 
Another key theme within the strategy is the enhancement of quality of life of local communities which will be supported through the continued support of a local corporate charity partner, the development of new skills-based work experience programmes, and volunteering opportunities for colleagues. The airport’s Community Trust Fund, which provides monetary grants to impactful causes and has awarded over £2 million since its inception, will also be fully digitalised in a bid to improve accessibility and promote applications.  
 
Biodiversity is also a key strategic theme within the plan with BHX committing to be ‘biodiversity nature-positive’ with the responsible management of the airport’s wider land which includes a designated Local Wildlife Site. Actions include the continued protection of wildlife species and the consideration of biodiversity in new developments. 

Commenting on the launch of the new Sustainability Strategy, Simon Richards, Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer, said: “We’re delighted to launch our new Sustainability Strategy for 2026 to 2030 as part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our impact on our environment and being a good neighbour to our local communities. As we move closer to 2033, this new strategy is critical to ensuring that we remain on track to achieve our net zero pledge, whilst continuing to grow sustainably and responsibly. We look forward to now putting this strategy into action and sharing the positive outcomes it delivers.” 
 
The updated strategy comes at a time where the airport is also looking at its next Masterplan that will publicly consult on responsible growth up until 2041.