On target to cut ATM-related CO2 by an average of 10% per flight by 2020
Our second Environment annual report (3.2 MB PDF) shows we saved 50,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2009/10.
In 2008, NATS became the first air traffic control provider to set targets to co-operate with industry to reduce ATM-related CO2. The strategy followed a year of ground-breaking research to analyse how the NATS network performs from an environmental perspective.
Our experts looked at every part of our operation to see where and how we can cut back on emissions and improve efficiency. From airspace design and planning to air traffic management, we are examining how we can co-operate with our airline partners to leave a smaller, cleaner, quieter footprint over the coming years.
On the ground, we are devising ways to commute less, recycle more, run our control centres, offices and operations in a more environmentally friendly way and use alternative energy sources such as solar power wherever possible. We are also building links to support community projects.
Towards a Sustainable Future
In Europe and across the globe, we are working with our industry partners to share our expertise and help create a coherent approach to air traffic management.
NATS works closely with its partners worldwide. We support the work of the Civil Aviation Navigation Services Organisation, CANSO, in striving for more uniform environmental standards in air traffic management and are closely involved with its work in creating targets for cuts in carbon emissions.
Our experts also advise the members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO on how air navigation service providers can play their part in the drive towards reducing the environmental impact of aviation.
NATS is also one of the founder members of Sustainable Aviation, which sets out the collective approach of UK aviation to ensuring a long-term, sustainable future for the industry. On December 12, 2008, it published its road map – setting out how technological progress will be largely responsible for reducing CO2 emissions by 2050 to levels recorded in 2000.
The Perfect Flight
NATS, BA and BAA have come together to reach an important environmental milestone, turning a normal Saturday evening service from Heathrow to Edinburgh into the UK’s first”Perfect Flight”.