The Shannon Airport Group has committed to developing a plan to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050 as part of its newly launched sustainability strategy.

The strategy lays out goals and actions to be completed by the end of 2024, including the creation of sustainability programmes to upskill staff and the development of renewable energy across the Shannon Campus.

It also calls for an increase in electric vehicle charging stations across the campus and to transition the airport vehicle fleet to low-emission vehicles as well as for the development of a biodiversity action plan for the campus.

Mary Considine, CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, said it was "now more critical than ever" for the group to do everything it could to make a positive impact environmentally, socially and economically.

“Our strategy is the foundation that will help us achieve our vision for our people, business and the community," she added.

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“We will continue to develop energy efficient world-class property solutions across our Shannon Campus, which are attracting FDI and indigenous companies to locate here, generating jobs for the people of our region.  

“We used the quiet periods during the pandemic to upgrade our core airport infrastructure, installing a new state-of-the-art passenger security screening system which eliminates the need for single use plastic bags to separate out gels and liquids, all of which can remain in cabin bags. 

“Our ambition for our sustainability strategy is to lay the foundation on which to build a sustainable, vibrant thriving economy for future generations. We are on a journey and have ambitious plans to do more."

Sinéad Murphy, head of sustainability at Shannon Airport Group, said 140 stakeholders had been consulted in developing the strategy, which help to identify areas of greatest importance.

"We exceeded 2020 energy efficiency targets for our airport and commercial property operations. We have upgraded 6,000 lights across our runway, buildings, car parks and public realm to LED energy efficient equivalents in partnership with the ESB and achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation (level 1)," she added.

“We have also developed a Community Biodiversity Garden in collaboration with local primary schools, and a walking/running circuit for people working in the Shannon Campus and the Shannon Town community.  

“There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and create a sustainable future for the group."

Shannon Airport recently introduced a multi-million euro 3D x-ray system for explosive detection, and two new routes announced by Ryanair will result in 30 additional jobs at the facility.

Photo: the Shannon Airport Group staff pictured at the launch of the company's sustainability strategy.