Finavia, the operator of Helsinki Airport, has decided to speed up its ambitious climate programme, the company said.
The aim of the programme is to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions caused by the operations of all of the company´s 21 airports to zero by 2020. Through its airport network, Finavia is a key party to the commitment of European airport companies to have 100 carbon-neutral airports in Europe by 2030.
At Helsinki Airport, this goal will already be reached in 2017, when the largest airport solar power plant in the Nordic countries is opened at the airport, and when airport buses start using renewable fuels.
Finavia also encourages its stakeholders to give feedback on the company´s sustainability actions.
At airports, carbon dioxide emissions are mainly caused by the energy consumption of buildings, lighting systems and vehicles. Helsinki Airport plays a central part in reducing Finavia´s emissions. Finavia is also determined to start reducing emissions at its other airports.
Finavia´s climate programme consists of a range of different actions. Its essential parts are the significant increase in the use of renewable forms of energy, the origin of power and heat, the improvement of energy efficiency in all activities and the compensation of emissions in the markets.
Currently, Finavia is among the first European airports to invest in a solar power plant to be located at Helsinki Airport. The construction of the power plant is underway on the roof of terminal 2, and it is expected to produce energy starting from late summer 2017.
The entire system, with a total output of more than 500 kWp, will be completed in 2019, and it will be the largest airport solar power plant in the Nordic countries.
Finavia will significantly increase the use of renewable fuels in ground vehicles at Helsinki Airport during 2017.
Buses travelling between the terminal and aircraft will be fuelled by a diesel product manufactured wholly from waste and residue. In addition, smaller airport vehicles are already mainly powered by electricity. Finavia´s goal is to engage other companies operating at its airports to use renewable fuels.
The operations of Finavia´s airports produced 32,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2016. The company has reduced its emissions by an average of three percent per passenger per year over the past ten years.
