An airport has been recognised for its work to reduce carbon emissions.

Stansted Airport has been awarded Level 3+ carbon neutral status by the Airports Council International (ACI).

The award was formally handed over to Martin Churley, Stansted’s environment manager, and Adam Freeman, Manchester Airport Group’s environment advisor, at the Airport Carbon Accreditation ceremony in Brussels.

The status means the airport has achieved carbon neutrality by reducing emissions under its direct control.

London Stansted chief executive Ken O’Toole said: “After many years of hard work to reduce the amount of energy we use, we are delighted to be recognised by Airport Carbon Accreditation as carbon neutral, and that our initiatives at Stansted are making a really positive impact.

“This achievement is especially pleasing as it follows a period of record growth in passengers numbers and at a time when we are the fastest growing London airport.”

A range of energy management measures have been put in place to monitor use, supported by a range of efficiency measures.

These include the installation of efficient LED lighting, building management systems to optimise operations, the use of free air cooling and staff engagement campaigns.

To further reduce emissions, Stansted Airport has sourced all its electricity from renewable sources since April 2013.

It also diverts 100 per cent of its waste from landfill, recycling more than 75 per cent, and has a higher proportion of passengers using public transport than any other UK airport.