Of course, utilising renewable energy is one of the most effective means of cutting a carbon footprint and it is thought that Birmingham Airport will save roughly 22 tonnes of CO2 each year through the installation of 200 solar panels. The solar PV panels use photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity and even when there is not much sun, it can still produce some electricity, which is extremely beneficial.
While 22 tonnes of CO2 might not constitute a huge saving, it is important that each individual airport takes measures to reduce their own individual emissions which, when taken together, will play a major role in achieving the cross-sectoral climate goals agreed by the aviation industry. In the case of Birmingham, the solar projects makes up just one part of a wider sustainability drive, which includes taxiing schemes and effective waste management and recycling.