airportfootprints‘ comprehensive footprinting methodology and software package has been developed over the last 3 years in collaboration with Best Foot Forward Ltd. (World leaders in carbon and ecological footprint analyses), Manchester Airport plc. and researchers at the Centre for Air Transport and the Environment (CATE) at Manchester Metropolitan University(MMU). Building on Best Foot Forward’s renowned footprinting software, the collaboration has developed an airport specific product that is unique in its ability to capture the carbon footprints from all airport operations.

Application of the tool has enabled a thorough and systematic analysis of the Airport’s aggregate carbon footprint. For example the Airport company is able to identify and compare all air traffic movements between Manchester and over 200 destinations. It is also possible to compare emissions from such diverse components of the footprint as energy use, waste generation, individual flights and even food consumption. In a carbon constrained World such information will be as important as the economic costs of those goods and services.

The methodology allows an airport to drill down into numerous layers of information. For example, it is possible to highlight the most carbon intensive flights, whilst also allowing comparison of every passenger access journey made by any mode of transport. As such the airport operator is fully armed with a wealth of new data, presented in a simple format that allows for easy interpretation. It is then in a unique position to consider the business implications of future carbon management strategies.

Where does this lead?

airportfootprints enables you to:

• Reduce your carbon intensity

• Set performance goals based on sound carbon accounting procedures

• Embed carbon management in your corporate culture

• Enhance your credibility with your stakeholders

airportfootprints also uses its carbon accounting tool to calculate the entire ecological footprint of an airport. Further details available on request.