East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport, part of MAG (the group that own Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports), was the first of any UK airport to make a commitment to achieve carbon neutral ground operations by 2012 – relating to buildings, ground support vehicles and service partner emissions.

In 2011/12, carbon emissions at the airport were reduced by a further 3,578 tonnes through energy reduction and the introduction of renewable energy, such as, the installation of two commercial scale wind turbines and the planting of a 26 hectare willow farm on site.

Keen to further improve its environmental credentials, EMA teamed up with HSG to install the Ureco system which reduces water consumption, saves money on utility bills and improve the washroom experience for passengers departing and arriving at the airport.

The Ureco system will reduce EMA’s water consumption by 16,845,480 litres over the next three years, produce 5.907 less tonnes of CO2 a year and save the company more than £14,000 in water bills every year.

Saeid Nikjooy, EMA’s Head of Asset Maintenance Services, explained: “The results were outstanding both in terms of the washroom hygiene and the reduced water usage and we have rolled out the system across the site with 68 Ureco units and 26 Uretech water managers.

“Sustainability is embedded into all our operations and we aim to lead the way among airports in addressing our social and environmental responsibilities and achieving significant cost savings.

“Furthermore, as travel restrictions are eased and passenger numbers increase, improved washroom facilities will be vitally important for our customers in the terminal building.”