• Renewable fuel used at the airport powers vehicles, including fire trucks and snow ploughs.
• East Midlands Airport has been operating sustainably since 2012, and the new developments will provide further stimulus to its environmental efforts.
• Experts say that renewable fuel is a practical solution to decarbonise airport operations.

In a decisive move on World Environment Day, the East Midlands Airport in the UK has undergone a major makeover, converting its airport fleet from fossil fuels to renewable fuel.

The transition will help the airport cut carbon emissions of these vehicles by up to 90% and achieve its sustainability goals.

The airport operates a fleet of more than 60 vehicles, including airfield operations and security team vehicles, fire trucks, and snow-clearing vehicles. They are all now running on renewable fuel.

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To make this change happen, the airport has partnered with biodiesel supplier YourNRG as part of the Manchester Airports Group’s broader sustainability strategy to make all its three airports—Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands—achieve net zero carbon operations by 2038.

Lee Reason, Commercial Director at Your NRG, said: "We're proud to support East Midlands Airport on its journey toward decarbonisation. By transitioning their operational fleet to HVO Fuel, they've taken a major step in reducing emissions without compromising on performance."

East Midlands Airport bagged the title of being the first UK airport certified under the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme and has been carbon-neutral since 2012. Besides these accolades, it has taken many steps to operate sustainably, including installing wind turbines, using renewable electricity, and implementing electric vehicle charging points.

The renewable fuel used by its fleet is made from waste vegetable oils and fats, which are chemically processed to produce hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) that reduces emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel. Not just that, the fuel is biodegradable and emits fewer particulates, making it a safer option for the environment.

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East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, Steve Griffiths, said: “We are always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the environment, with the aim of hitting Manchester Airport Group’s target of achieving net zero operations by 2038.

“Working with YourNRG to convert our fleet of ground vehicles is a great step forward, with significant emissions reductions and other environmental benefits.”

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Source: East Midlands Airport