Newquay Airport plans cheap energy offset campaign - 17/08/2009

Rather than choose to switch energy schemes in pursuit of greater on-site efficiency, Newquay Airport has announced a new plan to offset its emissions.

The Cornwall airport plans to invest in renewable energy projects in Third World countries, while also promoting domestic efficiency in local Cornish homes, all in a bid to offset the rising carbon emissions produced by its rapid expansion, reports the Western Morning News.

Officials at the airport say they have moved the offsetting scheme forward by five years and part of the scheme will include providing free cavity wall and loft insulation for 50 local homes next year.

Mark Beeley, retail director at the Eden Project, which is helping with the scheme, told the paper: "If it is successful it could pave the way for many more local offsetting schemes, bringing direct benefits to many British households."

Campaigners have questioned the green credentials of the scheme and Bob Egerton, Cornwall councillor for environmental organisation Probus, told the paper he believes the money for efficiency spending will be routed through the airport from the taxpayer.

The government recently created controversy by approving a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport.

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