The airport has successfully converted its entire fleet of 300 diesel vehicles, which constitutes 85% of its total fleet, to run on HVO until their retirement. Subsequently, these vehicles will be replaced with electric ones in alignment with London Gatwick’s sustainability initiative, the Decade of Change.
Among the vehicles now utilizing HVO are all fire engines, airside operations vehicles, and snow ploughs at the airport. Extensive trials have confirmed that HVO has no adverse effects on vehicle performance, ensuring that critical operations, such as emergency response by fire engines, remain prompt and efficient, with the capability to reach any location on the airfield within three minutes.
Steve Kelso, Head of Engineering, London Gatwick, said: “The implementation of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil to power our 300 diesel vehicles is an exciting milestone for London Gatwick’s sustainability journey and a big step in our fleet transition. It is vital we invest in sustainably sourced HVO to reduce emissions in all areas as soon as possible on our journey to reach net zero for our own Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
“From the buses that pick passengers up from the long-stay car parks, to operations vehicles that patrol the airfield, HVO is now being used to fuel vehicles throughout the airport. As we continue to grow, we are making sustainability part of everything we do here at London Gatwick and we are committed to finding solutions and working differently to meet our ambitious targets.”
In 2023, London Gatwick accelerated its commitment to achieving net zero for its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, a decade earlier than initially pledged. This ambitious move involves an investment exceeding £250 million to transition all vehicles, gas boilers, and refrigerants to low-carbon alternatives. Additionally, Gatwick is actively reducing overall energy consumption, embracing on-site renewable energy such as solar power, and ensuring the procurement of 100% renewable electricity.
This transition to HVO represents a significant albeit initial step for London Gatwick, forming part of its broader and ambitious strategy to address Scope 3 (indirect) emissions, which have the most substantial impact at the airport.
Aligned with the UK Government’s Jet Zero strategy and the industry’s Sustainable Aviation initiative, London Gatwick is collaborating with airlines and industry stakeholders to combat Scope 3 emissions. This endeavor involves various approaches, including airspace modernization and advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), electric, hydrogen, and hybrid aircraft technologies.
Furthermore, London Gatwick has attained the Level 4+ ‘Transition’ status within the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, underscoring its commitment to effective carbon management, recognized globally.
Investing in its long-term sustainability, London Gatwick has initiated the planning process to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular operation, which is now under examination by the Planning Inspectorate. This environmentally conscious plan aims to enhance operational resilience, minimize delays, and significantly contribute to the national and regional economies by fostering trade, tourism, and job creation.
Tags: Carbon emissions reduction, Diesel vehicles, Fleet conversion, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), Steve Kelso, London Gatwick, sustainable fuel
