Gatwick Airport has made a significant environmental stride by transitioning its fleet of diesel vehicles to operate on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a move anticipated to curtail 950 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Formerly reliant on diesel, Gatwick’s fleet encompassed approximately 300 vehicles, including fire engines, airside operations vehicles, and snow ploughs, constituting about 85% of the airport’s overall fleet. With the adoption of HVO, all these vehicles will now run on the sustainable fuel until they are phased out and replaced by electric alternatives.
This transition is set to slash Gatwick’s Scope 1 emissions – those directly attributed to the company – by an impressive 90%. Notably, Gatwick conducted extensive trials, affirming that HVO has no adverse effects on vehicle performance. Thus, crucial services such as fire response remain unaffected, with fire engines retaining their ability to reach any area on the airfield within three minutes.
This eco-conscious move aligns with Gatwick’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions for both Scope 1 and 2 – those indirectly produced through energy procurement – by 2030. The airport is dedicating over £250 million towards replacing all vehicles, gas boilers, and refrigerants with low-carbon alternatives. Furthermore, investments in on-site renewable energy sources, such as solar power, underscore Gatwick’s steadfast dedication to sustainability.
Beyond internal initiatives, Gatwick is collaborating with airlines and industry stakeholders to address Scope 3 emissions, emanating from downstream supply chain activities. Strategies encompass airspace modernization and advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as well as the adoption of electric, hydrogen, and hybrid aircraft.
Steve Kelso, Head of Engineering at London Gatwick, expressed enthusiasm about the milestone, stating, “The implementation of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil to power our 300 diesel vehicles is an exciting milestone for London Gatwick’s sustainability journey and a big step in our fleet transition. It is vital we invest in sustainably sourced HVO to reduce emissions in all areas as soon as possible on our journey to reach net zero for our own Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.”
Gatwick’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by the recent inauguration of a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging station adjacent to the South Terminal. Equipped with 30 high-power and low-power electric vehicle chargers, the GRIDSERVE facility operates round the clock, facilitating seamless and eco-friendly transportation options for travelers and airport personnel alike.