Toulon Hyères in France has become the first airport in France to reach net zero emissions.
Various initiatives have been adopted to achieve this sustainability milestone, including the introduction of an energy efficiency policy (motion detectors and temperature set points); the replacement of conventional lightbulbs by LEDs in the terminal and aircraft parking zones; the replacement of a heavy-fuel boiler by heat pumps; the use of electric or biofuel-powered runway vehicles and the signature of a guaranteed renewable energy electricity contract.
The air transport hub, which is operated by Vinci Airports has also committed to funding reforesting work in nearby Le Lavandou to capture its residual emissions and has inaugurated a roof-top solar power plant that will supply the airport with green electricity. Installed on the roof of the car-rental car park, the plant could produce up to 690 MWh per year of electricity for the airport. Any surplus production will be injected into the urban grid. A second plant is schedule for installation in 2026.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of Vinci Concessions and Chairman of Vinci Airports commented: “Toulon Hyères Airport is a perfect illustration of the decarbonisation policy rolled out by Vinci Concessions since 2016 in all its airports worldwide. We are proud that it has reached net zero emissions for its direct activities. All Vinci Concession’ teams are mobilised to achieve this goal in all the European Union airports and also at London Gatwick by 2030. Inauguration of the solar power plant also demonstrates our determination to provide our infrastructure assets with electricity from renewable sources, as here, in partnership with our subsidiary SunMind.”
