Energy use

The issue: As outlined in the climate change section of this report, BAA recognises that the aviation industry contributes to climate change in a number of ways, and we are taking a number of routes to manage its contibution.

Carbon dioxide is produced when fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas are burnt to produce heat or electrical energy. At Southampton, our effort is primariliy being focussed on the sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) directly within BAA’s control. This involves focussing on the energy management and environment footprint of the airport’s facilities. The majority of energy at Southampton is used for controlling the temperature (cooling and heating) of the terminal building and essential electrical systems such as lighting. This means that if these systems can be optimised and managed, then the amount of electricity and therefore CO2 emissions can be kept to a minimum.

Our approach: Our aim is to reduce the demand for energy where possible and explore the use of energy supplies which produce less carbon dioxide or renewable forms of energy.

We have both an annual target for reducing our CO2 consumption against business as usual, and an ongoing BAA target. The annual target for 2006/07 was for Southampton Airport to achieve a 1.5% CO2 reduction in emissions against forecast business as usual levels by 31 March 2007. The BAA overall target is to reduce CO2 emissions 15% by March 2010 compared to 1990 levels.

There are two main elements in the approach to energy management. The first element is managing the use of energy to the existing footprint through the building management computerised system, which controls the airport’s heating and cooling. This also identifies where energy can be saved by replacing existing plant and equipment with more energy efficient equipment. The second approach is to consider the installation of energy efficient equipment or renewable sources during new airport developments.

Some of the examples where energy savings have been made include:

• The use of 100% solar powered lighting on one of the roundabouts at the airport
• The use of a lighting management system to the short stay car park which adjusts according to the levels of natural daylight
• The replacement of existing lighting with more efficient units.

Our performance
Target 2006/07: Reduce CO2 emissions consumption by 1.5% against the business-as-usual forecast.
Performance against target: Target bettered.

Southampton airport bettered our 2006/07 target by more than 2%, achieving a 4.25% reduction in CO2 emissions against business as usual levels. This equates to 2,940 tonnes of CO2 in total. These savings were brought about largely through balancing the building management system by constantly monitoring the use of energy and gas. There has also been investment in new energy efficient equipment known as variable speed drives to the air handling units which control the airflow around the terminal.

Going forward: We will develop an energy strategy during 2007 to include the identification of potential future energy savings.

We will also reduce our direct impact on CO2 emissions by a further 2% against the business as usual forecast between January 2007 and December 2007.