M E E T T H E M A N A G E R
FARNBOROUGH AIRPORT’S ENVIRONMENT
MANAGER DISCUSSES HIS JOB AND HOW
TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
What was your career path to your current role?
I graduated in biological science, but my first job was with
the UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) in its training
simulations. I was keen to remain in aviation after NATS so
I moved into airline operations, working with DAS Air and
GB Airways before taking the opportunity to join the team
at Farnborough Airport in 2007 as environment manager.
This new role offered me the opportunity to combine my
experience in aviation with my passion for science. I was
fortunate to join just as environmental performance was
coming into sharp focus. As a developing business, there is
always a steady stream of diverse and interesting projects
to manage.
Can you describe a typical day?
There really isn’t one. We have a small team and
between us, we cover the full range of responsibilities in
environmental management and sustainable development.
We can be in overalls and up a ladder downloading air
quality data in the morning and presenting to the local
community or other stakeholders in the afternoon. It is the
constant flux between active outdoor work and corporate
responsibilities that makes it an interesting role.
What do you find the most challenging
aspect of your job?
Change management. Over the last decade, as the
environmental agenda has gained increased focus,
there have been improvements to procedures,
processes and policies that staff have needed to
adopt. It is key that our teams embrace this strategy
across all levels. Achieving synergy and efficiency
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between departments across the airport
is very rewarding.
Which part of your job do you enjoy
the most?
I particularly enjoy the freedom to innovate to
solve issues here at the airport. Farnborough Airport
prides itself on delivering bespoke services and this
approach also applies in the way we manage the business.
What are you most proud about during your career
at Farnborough?
I’m extremely proud of our success at the 2019 IEMA
Sustainability Awards in the Transition in Energy category.
The work we completed to make this achievement possible
was substantial. Winning the award was a momentous
moment for the Airport.
How did you make Farnborough the first
carbon neutral business airport?
The first step was stating we would achieve
carbon neutrality by 2019. From there, we worked
on calculating our carbon footprint and setting
a benchmark for all future improvements. This
involved securing robust monitoring processes for
all energy usage.
We then focused on three key areas to make
footprint reductions: technological investment,
procedural development and training and
awareness. We developed a certified Environment
Management System to help manage policy. We have
also used the Verified Carbon Standard to offset residual
emissions and remain committed to reducing the need to
offset as our work continues.
What advice would you give someone looking to
make their airport or FBO more sustainable?
Robust data is important for all developments in
sustainability. It is essential for quantifying and
demonstrating the benefits, socially, economically and
environmentally. Regular communication with staff and
stakeholders when introducing improvement projects is vital
because they have a part to play in making your project
a success.
Miles Thomas
“Robust data is
important for all
developments in
sustainability”