Airport Masterplan 2035 LOW RES

Masterplan 2035
10.64 Whilst the above reductions are achievable we are aware
that the target may be more challenging if the Airport
expands.
10.65 As part of the delivery of this Masterplan we will develop
a carbon and energy reduction strategy to map detailed
long term actions to reduce our carbon footprint, including
from new development. The strategy could include carbon
foot printing to fully understand and quantify our carbon
output, and therefore the effectiveness of mitigation
measures. The possibly of doing this as part of the Airport
Carbon Accreditation Program will be considered, which
is based on evidencing mapping, reduction, optimisation,
and neutralising of carbon emissions. We will also explore
the possibility of introducing energy reduction targets
alongside those for carbon reduction in the Masterplan.
10.66 We recognise that efficiency improvements can only go so
far to reduce our carbon output and as the Airport grows
there may be a need to reduce carbon output through the
generation of renewable and/or low carbon energy.
10.67 We consider that the Airport has much potential for on-site
energy generation, particularly given its large land holding,
with much land to the north currently in agricultural use.
This land could be used for renewable energy production
and will be safeguarded for this purpose. Developments
could be -
l A solar farm;
l Commercial scale wind turbines;
l Crop rearing for the production of bio-fuels for use on
or off-site.
10.68 We believe there is also opportunity to increase use
of small scale on-site renewable or low carbon energy
production incorporated into new developments and
retrofitting onto existing infrastructure. This could include –
l Solar photovoltaic panels;
l Vertical axis and column mounted wind turbines;
l Biomass fired on-site combined heat and power
boilers (CHP) or combined heat, power and cooling
(CCHP) units;
l Air source heat pumps.
10.69 The technical and financial viability of these schemes will
be a key consideration as to whether they can be delivered,
as well as potential safeguarding issues to ensure the safe
operation of the airfield isn’t compromised.
10.70 Building Regulation requirements dictate demanding
efficiency and carbon reduction standards for the
development of new buildings and extensions to existing
ones. Alongside meeting these standards we will also
reasonably consider ‘passive design measures’ to ensure
that the orientation of new buildings, the arrangement
of internal space, and their design maximises the use of
natural light and ventilation to reduce the need for artificial
alternatives. We will also explore the possibility of meeting
industry recognised standards, such as BREEAM, for
suitable developments, principally the employment sites
south of the runway.
10.71 The Airport’s fleet of vehicles are already being
benchmarked for vehicle fuel efficiency and carbon
output in selecting new vehicles. The carbon and energy
reduction strategy will explore options such as the use
of electric and automated vehicles, and the moving away
from fuel powered auxiliary power units on the airfield, to
fixed electrical ground power. In addition, as set out in the
surface access strategy we will also look to expand electric
vehicle charging facilities in line with demand.
Biodiversity
10.72 The Airport is committed to ensuring that development to
deliver the Masterplan carefully considers the potential
impact on biodiversity and that any impact is appropriately
mitigated.
10.73 Although the fenced airfield is low in ecological value,
the wider Airport site contains a broad range of habitats,
including hedgerows, mixed and broadleaf plantations,
scattered trees, and scrub and fenland. Wildlife habitat is
particularly concentrated to the south of the Airport site.
10.74 The ‘Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981’ (as amended) is
the primary legislation for the protection of habitat and
species. Whilst ‘The Conservation of Habitats and Species
Regulations’ (2010), offers protection to a number of plant
and animal species throughout specific conservation
designations, which are close to our eastern approach
paths.
10.75 There are a number of protected habitats close to the
Airport, but none on the site itself. Big Waters, Brenkley
Meadows, and Prestwick Carr are ‘Sites of Special
Scientific Interest’ (SSSIs), and Sunniside Pond, Dinnington
Road Fen, Havannah Nature Reserve, Moorey Spot Pond,
Woolsington Hall, Prestwick Burn, and Foxcover Wood,
are all either sites of Nature Conservation Importance or
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