Mott MacDonald is drawing on its unrivalled pedigree in decarbonisation and energy transition, as it begins work with Heathrow Airport to help deliver its carbon reduction targets. 

The work forms a core part of the airport’s capital development programme for the current five-year regulatory period (H7), which runs from 2022 to 2026.

As Programme Designers for the H7 Carbon and Sustainability Programme, Mott MacDonald will work with Heathrow Airport to plan and design projects that will enable a reduction of Heathrow’s carbon footprint by 2.3 million tons by end of 2026 and lay the foundation to achieve net zero by 2050.

Helen Elsby, Heathrow’s chief solutions officer, said: “We are delighted that Mott MacDonald have partnered with us as programme designers to us help drive forward the airport’s sustainability agenda and ensure we deliver our ambitious carbon reduction programme. 

"Decarbonising aviation is widely considered our sector’s greatest challenge, but Heathrow is committed to reducing our carbon footprint in order to achieve net zero by 2050, and today’s announcement only accelerates our shift towards a greener future.”

David Beare, strategic advisory director at Mott MacDonald, said: “Heathrow have not only set an ambitious net zero strategy but through the H7 programme they are working with stakeholders to turn this strategy into reality by progressively investing in decarbonising the airport and by leading the drive for coordinated action globally. 

"As their advisor we look forward to working with Heathrow and their H7 ecosystem to share best practice as we design, manage and integrate their decarbonisation programme in the years ahead."

The decarbonisation of aviation is recognised as one of society’s most complex challenges, requiring a truly multidisciplinary solution, and drawing on expertise from across aviation, wider transportation and energy sectors. 

It encompasses airport operations, surface access, future fuels, energy transition, operational and embodied carbon, nature-based solutions, behavioural change, data and digital and smart systems.

Mott MacDonald's experience in decarbonisation and energy transition includes helping develop the latest industry guidance for PAS2080, supporting the development of the DfT’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan, working with National Highways to implement and deliver its Net Zero roadmap, the Environment Agency on its net zero roadmaps and it developed the net zero standards for the NHS new hospital programme.

The firm is also currently supporting several global clients evaluating the future fuel supply chains for hydrogen and other Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). 

It brings knowledge across multiple infrastructure sectors in how to design, integrate and develop decarbonised energy systems incorporating renewables, storage, decarbonisation of heat, and vehicle charging. 

With this it offers deep understanding of how to develop energy sector supply chains and partnering strategies to help clients achieve their net zero plans.

Mott MacDonald has a clear corporate commitment to net-zero aligned with a 1.5 degree C pathway. Like Heathrow, it is a signatory to the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative, which aims to get to 10% SAF by 2030; and is involved in other national and international initiatives to decarbonise the sector.

Mott MacDonald not only bring an ecosystem of collaborative net zero partners, but the direct experience of advanced air mobility and aviation R&D programmes such as UK Government ATI programme ‘Flyzero’, the Hydrogen-Electric Automated Regional Transport “HEART” programme, the BEIS energy innovation programme, and the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport business case and masterplan.