Glasgow Airport, working with its waste management contractor Biffa, has seen its recycling rate soar to over 90 percent since making a Resource Efficiency Pledge and is now encouraging all businesses on its campus to follow its lead and boost their green credentials.
The Resource Efficiency Pledge, coordinated by Zero Waste Scotland's Energy Efficiency Business Support Service, is a free initiative which asks businesses and organisations to commit to reducing their impact on the environment by making better use of energy, water and raw materials.
Since making a Resource Efficiency Pledge, Glasgow Airport has introduced a new terminal recycling system, with double bins which separate general waste from recycling, encouraging passengers and staff to get involved in the recycling process. This new system, together with targeted staff awareness training, has not only increased recycling levels but also reduced contamination of recycling bins across the campus, saving the airport over £8,000 per year.
The airport has also introduced a number of new energy efficiency measures including new vending machines from Glasgow-based Abercromby Vending, which alone have resulted in an annual saving of £11,000 in energy costs - as well as improvements to air conditioning systems, and the incorporation of new LED lighting which has resulted in more than 730 tonnes of annual carbon savings.
Boots the Chemist, JD Wetherspoons, Delware North, World Duty Free and Discover Glasgow have now also made a Resource Efficiency Pledge. Glasgow Airport has worked with these businesses on the campus to ensure they follow suit by launching a new set of Golden Rules and instilling a waste-aware culture. This initiative, which was developed in conjunction with the retail community at the airport, has resulted in significant improvements in waste collection and general service yard cleanliness.
