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Stansted Airport has added the Carbon Trust Standard to its impressive environmental credentials thanks to the successful introduction of a wide range of energy saving initiatives.  

The airport gained the prized certification after reducing carbon emissions from its buildings and vehicles by nearly 2% percent from January 2007 until December 2009* .  Initiatives undertaken at Stansted in recent years include:

• biomass technology installed as part of £50million terminal extension, making the development carbon neutral
• single engine taxiing trials to reduce emissions from aircraft manoeuvring on the ground between runway and terminal buildings
• 'don't stand-by, switch-off' campaign encouraging staff to turn off electrical items overnight  
• low energy lighting installed on the airfield and sensor lighting in offices
• motion sensors built into escalators and travelators to improve efficiency

The UK's third largest airport is now the proud holder of three highly acclaimed accreditations, as the Carbon Trust Standard joins ISO14001 for environmental management and OHSAS18001 for health and safety systems. Stansted is the first BAA airport to achieve all three credentials.

"We're extremely proud to add the Carbon Trust Standard to our portfolio of environmental credentials" said Dr Andy Jefferson, Stansted's Head of Health, Safety and Environment.

"Carbon Trust Standard is an independent assessment of how we report, manage and reduce carbon emissions.  This presented us with a complex challenge as Stansted is the biggest single site employer in the region, and home to nearly 200 companies. However, assessors were particularly impressed by our collaborative approach to working alongside stakeholders to improve overall site performance.

"While celebrating this success, we also know there is more we can and must do.  Around 92% of emissions from our buildings are generated by electricity use, so we've set a challenging target to reduce 2010 levels by 5% compared to 2009.  

"Thanks to the launch of our 'switch off' campaign at the end of 2009, I'm delighted to report we're making fantastic progress and are well on track to achieve this goal.  

"Gaining Carbon Trust Standard sets the benchmark for managing our carbon footprint and we'll continue to review procedures and explore new technologies to identify initiatives that will help us reduce our footprint even further."  

 Harry Morrison, General Manager at the Carbon Trust Standard Company, said:   "We congratulate Stansted Airport on their certification.  Carbon is a complex issue so most people need a recognised benchmark as to whether a company is doing the right thing. Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard allows Stansted Airport to talk with integrity about the serious and credible steps it has taken to reduce its carbon emissions."

Between 2008 and 2009 total airport energy consumption at Stansted reduced by over 3%, and through its annual Carbon Footprint the airport will continue to report performance, outline strategy and set targets to improve energy efficiency.  

For further information on how Stansted manages its carbon footprint, visit: www.stanstedairport.com/corporateresponsibility