NATS receives ‘A List’ acclaim for leadership in environmental transparency and action

NATS has been recognised as being in the top 2% of companies globally for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change by environmental evaluation company, CDP. NATS has jumped to their highest rating, going from a B rating in 2022 to join CDP’s prestigious ‘A List’ in 2023’s disclosure.

Based on data reported through CDP’s 2023 Climate Change Questionnaire, NATS is one of a small number of companies to achieve an ‘A’ rating – out of more than 21,000 scored in the largest sustainability benchmarking system in the world.

CDP uses a detailed and independent methodology to assess companies and cities across the world. Criteria include the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks, and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets, governance and performance. Among other criteria to achieve an A or A- score companies must have verified greenhouse gas emissions reporting and emissions reduction targets that are aligned with the Paris Accord.

NATS’ leadership ranking can be attributed to its ongoing environment programme and improvements in sustainability performance across the business. In the past financial year NATS has:

• Launched a new corporate vision for 2040 with decarbonisation at the centre; one of the four main strategic objectives is to be a net zero emissions company by 2035 and carbon negative by 2040; we are also committed to work with partners to achieve a net zero aviation industry by 2050.
• Launched a 5 Year Transition Plan, detailing short term activities aligned to company net zero targets
• Improved the identification, quantification and governance of climate related risks
• Implemented a supplier engagement programme to encourage knowledge sharing with partners on the same decarbonisation pathway
• Evidenced a broad range of action to improve emissions and energy performance, including the development of large scale on-site renewable energy schemes, carbon performance targets in supplier contracts, and projects to sustain and upgrade technology
• Independently verified public reporting of carbon and energy performance

On the ground, NATS’ estate emissions targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, receiving ‘Business Ambition’ status – the highest achievement possible. From 2018/19 to 2023, NATS increased its annual procurement of renewable electricity from 0% to 99%, which is well ahead of internal targets of 100% by 2030.

Ian Jopson, Sustainability Director at NATS said: “This CDP score acknowledges the positive direction of travel NATS is taking to increase its sustainability performance, but there is more to accomplish.

“This decade needs to be one of transformative action on the ground and in the air. As part of the UK’s Sustainable Aviation coalition, wider industry collaboration must continue to be a focus to reach the industry’s 2050 net zero emissions target.”

NATS is a key driver of airspace modernisation in the UK, where over the next decade the airspace structure will be transformed to enable more efficient flying that reduces fuel burn and emissions. Nine airspace changes have already been implemented over the past two years, which combined are enabling savings of over 50,000T of CO₂ a year.

By reaching the ‘A’ List, NATS demonstrates its capability to submit high quality and complete data that serves as a baseline to allow real progress towards its environmental ambitions.