London Luton Airport has retained its GRESB sector leader status for a fifth consecutive year, achieving a score of 100 and a five-star rating in the international sustainability assessment.
The airport said it ranked joint or outright first overall among more than 500 companies worldwide and was the highest-ranked airport in its European peer group.
GRESB benchmarks organisations and assets on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) management. Its sector leader designations recognise leading performers by sector, region and ownership type.
Airport reports progress on emissions and ground transport
Luton reported a reduction of more than 40% in carbon emissions from airport operations compared with 2019. Separately, it said aircraft emissions during landing and take-off had fallen by 13.2% over the same period.
Nearly two-thirds of aircraft based at the airport are now quieter, more fuel-efficient next-generation models, according to LLA. These figures cover different areas of airport and aircraft activity and do not represent a measure of emissions from the full journeys of all flights serving Luton.
The airport also reported that 34% of passengers used transport modes it classifies as more sustainable to travel to and from the terminal, up from 29% in 2024.
Other measures include reducing energy use, increasing recycling and expanding the use of low-carbon vehicles across airport operations. LLA works with airlines, suppliers and other partners to address environmental impacts, including those beyond its direct control.
Local spending reached £41.2 million in 2025
Alongside its environmental measures, Luton highlighted its contribution to employment and community programmes.
The airport said it supports approximately 14,700 jobs locally, with half of its own workforce drawn from Luton postcode areas. It also reported more than £44 million in social value through local employment and procurement.
In 2025, LLA spent £41.2 million with businesses within 20 miles of the airport, including £25.2 million with businesses based in Luton.
Its education and skills programmes supported 932 local people during the year, bringing the total reached to 1,279. The airport also backed 45 community projects benefiting more than 34,000 people and raised over £60,000 for charity partners.
Employees contributed 826 volunteering hours to local initiatives, an increase of more than 44% on the previous year.
Sustainability remains a focus for airport management
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, said: “LLA plays an important role in connecting people, places and economies, and our focus on managing our environmental impact and providing enduring social benefit to our local community will always be paramount.”
The airport’s community work also supports Luton Council’s 2040 vision for a healthy, fair and sustainable town.
Rodrigo Marabini, International Subsidiaries Director at Aena, said the recognition reflected Luton’s “ongoing commitment to delivering positive environmental and social outcomes across its operations.”
