British Airways agrees deal to buy carbon removal credits

British Airways has announced an agreement to buy more than £9 million in carbon removal credits as part of its sustainability drive to reduce the climate impact of its flights.

The IAG-owned carrier, which is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, said it had agreed a six-year deal with UK-based carbon removals specialist CUR8.

Around one-third of BA’s reduction in overall emissions is forecast to come from carbon removals and the airline has purchased 33,000 tonnes of removal credits through CUR8’s portfolio of projects.

These initiatives include a scheme in Scotland where CO2 emissions are captured from whisky distilleries and repurposed into building materials. Another project at multiple locations across the UK uses an enhanced “rock weathering” technique to lock away carbon.

BA is also buying carbon removal credits in reforestation projects in Scotland and Wales, as well as investing in carbon capture schemes in Canada, which focus on removing carbon from rivers and oceans.

Another initiative being backed by the airline is a biochar project in India, which is designed to enhance soil biodiversity and lock away carbon for thousands of years.

Carrie Harris, director of sustainability at British Airways, said it was “sharpening our focus on delivering real, tangible progress by 2030”.

“We know flying has a significant impact on the planet, and achieving net zero by 2050 requires bold, innovative action today, as well as long-term transformation, and our latest investments in carbon removals reflects this commitment,” she added.

“While small in comparison to our total emissions, these projects are crucial in stimulating the carbon removals market. 

“By supporting pioneering solutions, we’re not only contributing to immediate progress but also laying the groundwork for the large-scale changes needed to meet our climate goals. There is no pathway to net zero for aviation without carbon removals.”

The airline started offering customers the opportunity to purchase carbon removal credits in 2022 as a way to reduce the climate impact from their flights.