Air quality

Target 2005/06: 100% implementation of the air quality strategy action plan for 2005/06, to reduce airport related emissions of NOx and PM10

Performance against target
Of the 10 actions, 7 were fully achieved; 2 were partly achieved; and 1 was not achieved.

Our objectives
Implement industry best practice and reduce emissions in the following areas:

• Airport air quality management
• Aircraft operations management
• Airside vehicles
• Airport emissions
• Surface access
• Land use planning
• Fixed point emission sources (heat and power generation and fire training)
• Construction

Our strategy 2005/06
Air Quality is an issue of concern both locally and nationally.  To manage air quality, BAA addresses the emissions for which it is responsible and works in partnership with other airport users, such as airlines.

Work began this year on updating the Heathrow air quality strategy. A consultation draft was sent to stakeholders in March 2006 and the final document will be published later this year. The strategy includes Heathrow’s targets and commitments for managing air pollution as well as a new detailed action plan of the key measures we will be putting in place to minimise pollution in the next five years.

In March 2006 we carried out a review of our overall performance against the 2001-2006 strategy and action plan.  We have achieved 72 out of 81 targets, an achievement rate of 88 per cent.  Where targets were not achieved we have either carried them through to our next action plan or changed the focus to ensure a more relevant target is set in future.

Our performance

Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow
We have been working closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) on the Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow  (PSDH) to help us understand the environmental impacts of expanding the airport and if we could meet the strict limits set out in the Government’s White Paper.

As part of this, the DfT has this year been running three air quality expert panels which have considered in detail monitoring data, methodology for calculating emissions and  modelling techniques for predicting future pollution levels.

A number of additional consultations, each with implications for air quality, will also be initiated by the DfT in summer 2006. These will include consideration of the implications of Mixed Mode, the Cranford Agreement and Westerly Preference. PSDH will conclude with a White Paper Progress Report at the end of 2006.

Air Quality Monitoring Sites and Parameters
The drive for new and more accurate data to support PSDH has resulted in a number of changes and improvements to the air quality monitoring programme at Heathrow. The two main Heathrow sites now have NOx, CO, O3 (ozone) and PM10 monitoring on automatic continuous feeds.

In addition, new gravimetric partisol monitors have been installed at the LHR2 and Harlington sites. This will allow more robust comparison between monitored concentrations and the national Air Quality Strategy objectives and EU limits. 

A number of other temporary monitoring sites have also been installed. These will provide data to help validate the DfT’s dispersion modelling studies and some may be retained to help monitor future compliance with EU limits. 

Some specific short term studies have also been completed. For example fast NOx monitoring has been able to distinguish the varying effects of individual aircraft movements, a level of detail which was not previously available. 

LIDAR Study
We supported an innovative research project looking into the nature and behaviour of aircraft emission plumes using laser technology to scan and plot the plume profile. Findings from the study have been used to improve the future modelling of aircraft emissions for PSDH.

European recognition for pollution busting scheme
The Clean Vehicles Programme (CVP) at Heathrow was nominated for a European Business Awards for the Environment after already winning an equivalent award in the UK.  The European Awards recognise organisations which make an outstanding commitment to sustainable development.  BAA Heathrow was one of just 12 UK companies to reach the finals.

So far 49 companies – and more than 5,000 vehicles – have signed up to the scheme, which saves them money through cutting their fuel use, and improves their environmental performance through less polluting vehicles.

Clean Vehicles Exhibition
In November, we held the CVP awards and clean vehicles exhibition at Kempton Park More than 15 exhibitors attended the event demonstrating a range of products including biogas production equipment and electric, hybrid, dual fuel and LPG vehicles.

Airside vehicle duty cycles
We commissioned the Millbrook Vehicle Emissions Laboratory to develop a Heathrow airside vehicle duty cycle so that the potential benefits of new low emission technology can be accurately assessed for the Heathrow working environment. The work is also being used as part of the PSDH to help develop a more accurate assessment of Heathrow's emission profile.

Going forward
New target for 2006/07: 100% implementation of Air Quality Strategy action plan