Gatwick becomes first airport to achieve PAS 2080 carbon standard

London Gatwick has become the first airport worldwide to achieve certification under PAS 2080:2023, a global standard for reducing carbon across the full lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. The accreditation follows the UK Government’s recent approval for routine use of the airport’s Northern Runway. PAS 2080 requires organisations to integrate carbon management into planning, design, construction and operation. The certification confirms that Gatwick’s approach aligns with best practice and supports its long-term expansion strategy.

Briefly, PAS 2080:2023 introduces a structured approach to whole-life carbon management across buildings and infrastructure. The updated specification strengthens value-chain collaboration, integrates carbon considerations into decision-making, and emphasises lifecycle assessment rather than isolated project stages. Organisations implementing PAS 2080 gain clearer carbon baselines, improved procurement transparency and stronger alignment with the UK’s net-zero targets. The standard also outlines requirements for leadership, monitoring, reporting and continual improvement, ensuring that carbon reduction is embedded from planning through end-of-life asset management. As adoption accelerates across major infrastructure programmes, PAS 2080 is becoming a defining benchmark for sustainable delivery.

To meet the standard, Gatwick introduced new decision-making frameworks and strengthened engagement with contractors and suppliers to ensure carbon considerations are embedded from early design stages. The airport implemented detailed carbon assessments, reviewed material choices, and adopted processes that encourage low-carbon construction methods. These measures were independently assessed and verified by the British Standards Institute, demonstrating compliance with PAS 2080:2023 and establishing a benchmark for future capital projects.

The certificate acquisition took nearly two years and signals a shift towards infrastructure planning that prioritises carbon reduction alongside operational efficiency. Gatwick’s approach is expected to influence future airport developments by showing how large transport hubs can integrate carbon management into major expansion programmes. The airport has stated that the certification forms a foundational element in preparing for construction activities associated with Northern Runway development.