London Gatwick Becomes World's First Airport to Achieve PAS 2080:2023 Carbon Certification

A Global First in Sustainable Aviation

London Gatwick Airport has made history by becoming the world's first airport to achieve the globally recognized PAS 2080:2023 certification for carbon management in construction and infrastructure. The certification was officially received on December 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airport's commitment to environmental sustainability.

This achievement underscores London Gatwick's proactive approach to reducing its environmental footprint, particularly in the critical areas of building and infrastructure development. The certification positions the airport as a leader in sustainable practices within the aviation sector.

Understanding PAS 2080:2023

PAS 2080:2023, published by the British Standards Institute (BSI), is a leading global standard focused on managing and reducing carbon emissions across the entire asset lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. It provides a robust framework that encourages collaborative working and the implementation of smarter, more efficient low-carbon solutions from the initial planning and design stages through to construction and operation.

Key principles of the standard include:

• Whole-life carbon management: Addressing carbon emissions across all stages of an asset's existence.
• Supply chain collaboration: Promoting engagement and challenging all stakeholders in the value chain to consider carbon impacts.
• Integration into decision-making: Ensuring carbon reduction is a core consideration from the earliest phases of a project.

The 2023 revision of the standard expanded its scope to include both buildings and infrastructure, aiming for a consistent carbon management process across the entire built environment.

Gatwick's Path to Certification

The journey to achieving PAS 2080:2023 certification took London Gatwick almost two years. During this period, the airport embedded comprehensive carbon management practices across its construction activities. This involved significant changes to decision-making processes and how its supply chain is engaged.

The airport's new approach was independently audited by the BSI, confirming that its methods for managing construction-related carbon meet the highest industry standards. London Gatwick had previously committed to becoming PAS 2080 certified as part of its Northern Runway planning application, demonstrating a long-term strategic commitment to decarbonization.

Alasdair Scobie, Capital Programmes Director at London Gatwick, expressed pride in the airport's leadership, stating, 'We're incredibly proud to lead the way in delivering low-carbon airport infrastructure. This certification proves that we're serious about reducing our carbon impact.'

Broader Sustainability Initiatives and Future Outlook

This certification aligns with London Gatwick's broader and ambitious sustainability goals. The airport has accelerated its target to achieve net-zero for its own emissions by 2030, a decade earlier than its previous goal. To support this, London Gatwick has partnered with Vital Energi in a £250 million decarbonisation program. This initiative aims to eliminate natural gas reliance and generate its own energy, focusing on transitioning approximately 50 airport buildings, including the North and South terminals, to zero-carbon heating systems.

Furthermore, ongoing projects like the Pier 6 expansion are designed with significant carbon reductions in mind. This expansion project aims for a 40% reduction in embodied carbon from its original design through the use of a hybrid steel and timber frame, alongside an additional 20% reduction achieved through material efficiency improvements. London Gatwick has also been recognized with Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+ in 2023 and has maintained carbon neutrality for its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2017.