Bristol Airport embraces sustainability with new solar farm

Bristol Airport, the UK's first carbon-neutral airport, has taken another step towards its sustainability goals with the installation of a new 2.8-acre solar farm. 

Having achieved carbon-neutral status in 2021, Bristol Airport teamed up with 3ti for the installation of its new solar farm, which it estimates will generate 1.5 GWh of sustainable electricity each year, meeting over 10% of the airport’s annual energy needs. 

The ground-mounted solar arrays are designed to be low-impact, utilising recycled railway sleepers to minimise the use of deep piling and ensuring the project blends seamlessly into the airport's surroundings. This approach was chosen to reflect Bristol Airport's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.

The new solar farm is part of Bristol Airport's ambitious target of achieving 25% self-sufficiency in renewable energy by 2025. This is a significant step towards the airport's ultimate goal of net zero operations by 2030.

Speaking about the project, Richard Lees, Delivery Director at 3ti, commented, "The installation at Bristol Airport posed a new set of challenges for us which involved many practical and functional considerations, including glare positioning and the impact on key stakeholders such as residents, airport users and the plane spotting community."

"We are proud to have delivered this innovative project, which aligns perfectly with Bristol Airport's commitment to sustainability. By powering up its operations with renewable energy, the airport is demonstrating its leadership in the aviation industry and setting an example for others to follow."