Platinum success: Belfast International Airport named among NI’s most sustainable businesses

Belfast International Airport awarded Platinum level by BITC’s 2025 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey. BITC’s MD Lisa McIlvenna presents the award to Belfast International Airport’s Evan Black and Kevin Napier.

Belfast International Airport has been recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s most sustainable organisations after securing a prestigious Platinum rating in the 2025 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey.

The Airport, which is part of the VINCI Airports global network, was ranked among the top 42 most sustainable businesses in Northern Ireland, following assessment alongside 150 organisations from across the region.

The annual survey is organised by responsible business network Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC) and provides an independent benchmark of environmental performance, governance and long-term sustainability planning.

A quarter-century commitment to environmental improvement

Belfast International Airport has participated continuously in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey for more than 25 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to measuring, managing and improving its environmental impact.

VINCI Airports, which operates airports across Europe and beyond, has set an ambitious target to achieve zero emissions across its entire network by 2050.

Environmental transition is a core part of its operational strategy, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, and embedding circular economy principles into daily operations.

Major emissions reductions and operational improvements

Kevin Napier, Compliance Manager at Belfast International Airport, said the Platinum rating reflected years of sustained progress and investment:

“It’s great to be recognised for our work in reducing our environmental impact and working towards our wider sustainability goals. We have rolled out several successful initiatives on site already that have enhanced our sustainability and boosted environmental performance.”

He highlighted the Airport’s continued success in internationally recognised standards:

“The Airport also proudly maintained its excellence in management system certifications, retaining the ISO 14001 for environmental responsibility and achieving the ISO 50001 for energy efficiency.”

Among the most significant achievements is a dramatic reduction in transport-related emissions:

“Key operational improvements include a 90% reduction in vehicle carbon emissions, reached by switching fuel sources to HVO, saving over 290 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Furthermore, we now have 10 electric vehicles (EVs) as part of our onsite fleet to accelerate the decarbonisation of transportation.”

Protecting biodiversity and achieving zero waste to landfill

Beyond carbon reduction, the Airport has continued to invest in protecting and enhancing local natural environments.

“Our biodiversity project at Millenium Wood continues to thrive as a wonderful space where wildlife and plants can flourish.”

Progress towards a circular economy has also delivered tangible results:

“Our efforts to achieve a circular economy have also been an important part of our work too, with recycling levels across the Airport site. We have achieved zero waste to landfill from the terminal activities.”

Mr Napier added:

“The Airport is committed to accelerating these major environmental improvements, which will help create a more sustainable future for the Airport and wider community.”

Benchmarking as a driver for improvement

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director of Business in the Community Northern Ireland, said the survey plays a vital role in encouraging continuous progress across the business community:

“The Survey is a self-disclosure exercise that offers organisations a way to be externally assessed and scored on their environmental efforts and performance. Participating organisations are sent a Gap Analysis Report to help them to identify areas that need action and highlights where they are performing well, so it’s a comparison tool and real driver for improvement.”

To download the full report and view a complete list of participating organisations, visit www.bitcni.org.uk/niebs.