Hampshire: Southampton Airport commits to energy saving measures

Southampton Airport is lighting the way to make savings in the region of £45,000, by installing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting throughout the airport campus, effectively cutting its electricity use by 10% in 2013 compared to 2012. 

Starting off as a ground-breaking project to improve lighting on the aircraft stands – the first time LED technology had been used in this way at any UK airport – Southampton Airport has subsequently embarked on an extensive program of replacement LED lighting projects.

Currently the airport has replaced over 70% of its lighting with LED alternatives, and aspires to have more than 80% replaced by the end of the year. The airport also boasts solar-powered technology across the airfield.

In the three-year period since the start of 2010, Southampton Airport is on target to make savings of around 22% on its electricity costs and 1.2m kWh throughout the airport.

After successfully supplying the LED light fittings for the initial aircraft stand lighting project, Eastleigh-based firm Vision Accendo was appointed to supply the LED light fittings for subsequent projects.

Patrick Collins, environment manager at Southampton Airport, said: “With its proactive attitude in seeking a solution to our lighting requirements, Vision Accendo was an obvious choice of supplier, and being just down the road in Eastleigh, it fits in with our commitment to work with the community and support the local economy.”

With potential for further LED and energy saving projects, the airport is also looking to continue to reap the rewards of reducing its energy consumption.

"Saving energy is not just about saving money, but also about reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The reduction in energy since 2010 has meant the airport has saved over 650 tonnes of carbon dioxide. That’s enough to fill 164 hot air balloons," said Collins.

"We are also working with key partner airlines to reduce the impact our ground operations have on the environment. They have successfully introduced single engine taxiing for aircraft. This has helped to lower environment emissions and reduce the impact of rising fuel costs, without compromising on safety or performance."

The airport has increased the energy efficiency of the Terminal building by tailoring the thermostat and lighting timings to synchronise with the terminal opening hours outside temperatures and daylight conditions. The air conditioning units have also been replaced to give more energy-efficient cooling in the terminal during the summer.

Dave Lees, Southampton Airport managing director, said: “Improving the energy efficiency of the airport is a long-term strategy. We’re committed to doing everything we can to manage the business as responsibly and efficiently as possible. The steps we’ve already taken demonstrate our commitment, which we intend to build on into the future.”