Our environment

Leeds Bradford Airport is committed to protecting the environment

We have been certified to the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) ISO14001 since 2005.  We are independently audited every year to maintain our certification.  Our EMS assists us in identifying the potential environmental impacts as a result of our operations and managing these to minimise our impact on the environment, as well as making continual improvements.

Our commitment to the environment and sustainability are formalised in the following policy statement: Environmental Policy

Water Quality

Due to the nature of activities at the airport, such as de-icing aircraft in cold weather, it is crucial that any surface water runoff is correctly managed. A series of lagoons fitted with the latest monitoring equipment captures all water before it is discharged either to the sewer or local watercourse.

The system automatically analyses water leaving the site, and, if pollution is detected, the water is diverted to the sewer. If the water is clean, it is allowed to enter the local watercourse, as consented by the Environment Agency. Improvements are constantly being made to ensure the system is operating as effectively as possible.

Air Quality

LBA has a process for managing air quality which covers monitoring and assessment as well as future predictions of the impact of operations on local air quality.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) monitoring is carried out using diffusion tube analysis. LBA has three monitoring locations inside the airport boundary and four outside on the highway. These are managed by Leeds City Council.

The airport company is part of the UK Nitrogen Dioxide diffusion tube network which provides a nation-wide picture of concentrations of this important traffic-related pollutant.

Waste Management

LBA has implemented extensive recycling facilities for all users of the airport site. Passengers are encouraged to recycle paper, plastic bottles and cans, facilities are also available for cardboard and glass recycling.

Initiatives are currently ongoing with airlines and retail outlets to increase the level of recycling. F&B outlets are also segregating and recycling food waste and LBA recycles coffee grinds and tea bags from staff areas.