Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has achieved its highest score to date from The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), achieving a score of 95% and being awarded a 5-star rating.

An independent organisation, GRESB provides validated Environmental, Social and Governance data for real estate and infrastructure businesses globally. To achieve a rating, businesses must complete an online assessment by providing raw monitoring data, as well as submitting evidence, in the form of certificates, policies and procedures. GRESB then uses this to measure performance.

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The news comes as the airport recently achieved a Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ accreditation from the Airport Carbon Accreditation, a global carbon management certification programme for airports, which is owned and governed by the Airports Council International (ACI). To secure Level 3, LBA has measured its Scope 3 carbon footprint (third-party emissions), produced a carbon management plan and engaged its third parties in carbon management and reduction. Third parties include airlines and various service providers, such as independent ground handlers.

Since 2018, LBA has seen a 67% decrease in carbon Scope 1 and 2 emissions – emissions the airport produces directly (such as fleet vehicles) and indirectly (such as electricity use). It has done this by improving energy efficiency both inside the terminal and out on the airfield. All electricity currently supplied to the airport is from 100% renewables.

These improvements will continue with the recently announced regeneration of LBA, which will help to further decarbonise its operations.

The airport is also taking part in a vehicle replacement programme which will see two electric vehicles introduced to the fleet in the next year. Infrastructure is also being introduced to allow for electric charging and fixed electric ground power for aircraft.

Beyond improvements to its own operations, LBA is working with airline partners to secure more modern aircraft to fly from LBA, which fly with reduced emissions and noise.