Shannon Airport cuts emissions by more than 50% annual sustainability report shows

Shannon Airport cuts emissions by more than 50% annual sustainability report shows. Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, Ray O’Driscoll, CEO The Shannon Airport Group, Conal Henry, Chairman The Shannon Airport Group and Niall Kearns, Director of Airport Operations The Shannon Airport Group. Pic Arthur Ellis

Shannon Airport Group releases its first annual sustainability report, announcing 54% reduction in emissions from 2018 baseline

The Shannon Airport Group has today published its first, annual Sustainability Report, setting out progress across GHG emissions reduction, resource efficiency and biodiversity across Shannon Airport and its commercial property business. The report also outlines its sustainability targets to 2028.

Aligned with the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSME), the report reviews 2025 progress and marks a key step in formalising how the Group measures, tracks and reports its annual sustainability impact.

CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll said, “Being custodians of significant natural assets and operating in a region of rich biodiversity, while connecting Ireland to the world, brings real responsibility. This report shows the tangible progress we made in 2025 to reduce our environmental impact and support regional growth.

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“That progress is driven by the commitment of our people, who are embedding sustainability into how we operate every day. It also sets out clearly where we need to go next and how we will get there.”

In the reporting period, The Shannon Airport Group achieved a reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions of 54% from a 2018 baseline, and a direct fossil fuel emission reduction of 37%. It reached a major milestone with the launch of Ireland’s first on-airfield solar PV farm, supplying up to 20% of the airport’s annual electricity demand. This is complemented by continued fleet decarbonisation, with half of the airport fleet now electrified. In addition, the Group secured ISO 50001 certification for its Energy Management System and continued to deliver energy savings across its operations.

Building on this progress, the Group commenced construction of Blocks Y and Z, a new energy efficient industrial development at Shannon Airport Business Park. These buildings are designed to include lower embodied carbon materials, incorporate solar readiness, rainwater harvesting systems and integrated EV infrastructure.

Sustainability efforts extended to circular economy and biodiversity initiatives. A new Operations Centre and meeting spaces in Shannon Airport were fitted out using 93% remanufactured furniture, reducing embodied carbon by 80% and diverting more than 1,600 kg of waste.

The Group also delivered strong community impact, raising €80,000 for local charities in 2025 and enhancing accessibility at Shannon Airport with the addition of a Changing Places toilet facility.

The Shannon Airport Group’s Head of Sustainability, Sinead Murphy said, “This report goes beyond what we’ve achieved – it sets out how we will shape a more sustainable future. Our priorities for 2026–2028 are clear: reducing water consumption; expanding circular practices across our operations; delivering biodiversity net gain and accelerating decarbonisation across the Group. As our first comprehensive sustainability report, it establishes a strong baseline and a roadmap for meaningful, measurable change in the years ahead.”