Brussels Airport Company wants to be a responsible player in Belgian society. That is why we are constantly looking for a balance between the impact of our activities and the concern for the surroundings – both people and the environment – in which we work and live.
We want to become a sustainable airport. To ensure that this is more than just a slogan, we have translated our objective into five strategic priorities for 2021, which will lead us to more sustainability in the short term.
Five priorities
Our primary objective is to reduce the amount of waste we produce. We are also working on the reduction of ground noise and the improvement of local air quality. But sustainability also means working on increasing diversity in the workplace. We also want to – and will – build a sustainable infrastructure and, finally, we are committed to improving the modal split by considerably increasing the share of public transport.
Reducing the amount of waste
Reducing the amount of waste produced means that less waste needs to be sorted. We will also work on reducing the amount of residual waste by even better sorting together with FostPlus and our partners at the airport. In addition, we will tackle the import of bushmeat and protected animal species in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, customs, Brussels Airlines and the Natural History Museum. We are also setting up actions to reduce the use of single-use plastic. We are doing this by means of our waste charter, among other things. This means that, together with several other airport companies, we are working with FostPlus to prevent waste, to sort it even better and to recycle a higher percentage of the waste collected.
Reducing ground noise and improving local air quality
To this end, we will take measures to reduce the negative effects of ground noise as much as possible. We are also currently researching new technologies to reduce the amount of particulate matter. In addition, we will be greening our fleet of service vehicles and company cars, as well as our ground handling equipment.
Increasing diversity in the workplace
We are already working hard to find candidates from disadvantaged groups in the labour market. We will identify specific groups of candidates and find ways to reach them better. We will also define and promote our ‘Employee Value Proposition’ so that future employees know what we stand for and what we can offer them.
Building sustainable infrastructure
To begin, studies are being performed on the future heating/cooling network and renewable energy sources. We are drawing up and implementing energy and sustainability standards for new buildings, based on the principles of energy neutrality and circular economy.
Improving the modal split
We are working on a unique ticket for all public transport and are investigating how we can transform the diabolo rail fare supplement. In addition, we are working on improving cooperation between airport companies to encourage their employees to opt for more sustainable transport. Finally, we also want to develop a sustainable policy on mobility and company cars.
Of course, we will continue to communicate on a regular basis about our actions, both inside and outside of Brussels Airport. This way, we want to embed the concept of sustainability even more firmly in our daily operations and those of our partners.
Want to know more about it? Read our Environmental report 2019.