corporate responsibility report - London Stansted Airport

Independent assurance statement
Introduction
WSP Environment & Energy (WSP) were commissioned
by Stansted Airport Limited (London Stansted) to conduct
an independent external assurance review of the targets
contained in the Sustainability Report 2010 and carbon
footprint for 2010.
The aim of this statement is to provide assurance to
stakeholders, that the information provided by London
Stansted in the reporting information, is appropriate to the
nature and activities of London Stansted’s operations as
well as accurate, reliable, objective and has been validated
by an independent third party. This statement also provides
verification of London Stansted’s carbon footprint.
Our assurance responsibility
WSP’s obligation is to London Stansted’s stakeholders and
readers of this statement. WSP is responsible exclusively for
the contents of this statement and providing assurance over
the scope of data contained in the Sustainability Report 2010;
specifically key performance indicators and targets, and carbon
verification as detailed in the methodology.
WSP has not been involved in the development of London
Stansted’s Sustainability Strategy, Carbon Footprint or
preparation of any of the material included in the reporting
information.
Reporting criteria and assurance standards
We performed our work in accordance with WSP’s assurance
methodology which is based on the international assurance
and audit standards ISO19011, ISO14064:3 and AA1000AS.
We also referred to the WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol and
the DEFRA/DECC Corporate GHG Reporting Guidance in
conducting our assurance work.
Assurance methodology
WSP undertook a review of the targets and key performance
indicators included in the 2010 Sustainability report, excluding
passenger experience and economic development key
performance indicators (KPIs). A review was undertaken of
the data collection, collation and conversion factors used for
the carbon footprint. Of particular importance is to provide
the assurance of materiality of the reporting information and
engagement of stakeholders:-
Materiality:
The reporting information includes targets that are material
to the wide range of London Stansted’s stakeholders and is
considered by senior management in strategic development
through the Sustainability Board.
Inclusivity:
The targets provide comprehensive coverage of key issues
and challenges facing the airport and the aviation sector and
London Stansted have engaged a number of internal and
external stakeholders within this process.
Responsiveness to stakeholder concerns:
Engagement with stakeholders is evidenced in meeting
the targets, with evidence of continuing collaboration with
numerous working groups and partnerships to address the
sustainability challenges.
Our assurance process included:
• Validation of all KPIs and sustainability targets in
the reporting information (excluding the passenger
experience and economic development)
• Validation of processes for data collection methods
• Validation of performance including alignment with key
material risks and interviews with key personnel
• A sample based validation of sustainability practices
• Assessment of the carbon footprint to ensure compliance
with the requirements of the GHG Protocol
• Comments on materiality, representation and whether
it meets GHG Protocol and ISO14064:1 and any errors
or omissions and associated risks.
London Stansted provided access to records and data
required and WSP is confident that no material information
has been withheld.
In addition to this statement, an internal management report
was produced for London Stansted. This provides further
details on the outcomes of our assurance and the key findings
are summarised in this statement.
Stansted Airport | Sustainability Report 2011 | August 2011 5