Belfast International Airport Earns Platinum Rating for Sustainability

Belfast International Airport has achieved a significant accolade by receiving the prestigious Platinum rating in the 2025 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey. This distinction places the airport among the top 42 most sustainable businesses in Northern Ireland. The survey was conducted by Business in the Community (BITC), involving 150 organizations that participated in the evaluation of their environmental efforts.

The recognition comes as part of the airport’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, which is overseen by its parent company, VINCI Airports. The company has set an ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, reflecting its dedication to environmental transition. This strategy emphasizes reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, and implementing circular economy practices across its operations.

Kevin Napier, Compliance Manager at Belfast International Airport, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “It’s great to be recognised for our work in reducing our environmental impact and working towards our wider sustainability goals.” He highlighted various initiatives that have already improved the airport’s environmental performance.

Key operational advancements include a remarkable 90% reduction in vehicle carbon emissions, achieved by transitioning to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel source, resulting in the annual saving of over 290 tonnes of carbon emissions. Additionally, the airport has integrated 10 electric vehicles into its onsite fleet to facilitate the decarbonisation of transportation.

The airport has also made strides in biodiversity conservation. The project at Millennium Wood serves as a thriving habitat for wildlife and plants. Furthermore, the airport has reached a significant milestone by achieving zero waste to landfill from terminal activities, reinforcing its commitment to a circular economy.

Dr. Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director of BITC, commented on the importance of the survey, stating, “The Survey is a self-disclosure exercise that offers organisations a way to be externally assessed and scored on their environmental efforts and performance.” She noted that participating organizations receive a Gap Analysis Report, which helps identify areas for improvement while also highlighting successful practices.

Belfast International Airport’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to foster a more sustainable future for both the airport and the surrounding community. The full report detailing the findings of the survey and a complete list of participants can be accessed at www.bitcni.org.uk/niebs.