London Heathrow Airport has set out its latest plans for how the construction of a third runway is compatible with carbon emission, air quality and noise targets established by the UK government.
The Environmental Audit Committee, a panel selected from members of the House of Commons, is conducting an inquiry into the implications that expanding the airport will have on the local environment. In response, London Heathrow has submitted plans that it claims illustrate how an improved runway design would maximize the level of respite that can be provided to local communities, whilst reducing the number of people affected by significant noise by at least 200,000. The airport also claims that the plans ensure there are no more airport-related vehicles on the road than at present, helping to ensure that air quality limits are not exceeded.
The Airports Commission officially endorsed the expansion of London Heathrow in July this year. The final report stated that London Heathrow would be compatible with the government’s target of 37.5MtCO₂ emissions from aviation by 2050.
Matt Gorman, director of sustainability for London Heathrow, said, “This is a plan which doesn’t force a choice between the environment and the economy – it will deliver for both. We have gone back to the drawing board, designed an improved approach and put forward a proposal for expansion unanimously recommended by the Airports Commission. A bigger Heathrow will be a better Heathrow for our local communities, compatible with carbon emissions targets and air quality limits, and with fewer people impacted by noise than today.”
