Almost 900 panels have been installed at the 14,000 m2 cargo warehouse, a neighbouring administrative building and on the building’s façade. The panels will produce more than 350 megawatt hours (MWh) annually and reduce emissions across Menzies’ Prague operations by 25%.
Electricity generated by the solar panels will be used to power operations at the warehouse and charge Menzies’ fleet of electric ground support equipment (GSE). This aligns with Menzies’ ‘All In’ sustainability plan, which includes science-based targets to enable the company to reach net-zero across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2045.
The All In strategy itself aligns with seven of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It includes a commitment to 25% electric GSE globally by 2025, with 53% of GSE at Prague already powered by electricity. The plan also outlines high-level goals across six key areas including the environment, people, safety, ethical, communities and governance. This includes reducing energy and fuel use and seeking renewable electricity solutions, reducing waste, and increasing recycling and returning, reusing, or recycling IT equipment.
Menzies’ commitment to sustainable operations echoes the ESG strategy of Prague Airport. Soňa Hykyšová, the airport’s sustainability, environment, and ESG director, said: “We are glad that Menzies Aviation is also trying to reduce emissions and, like Prague Airport, is committed to net carbon neutrality. Last year, we achieved a 59.5% reduction in emissions compared to 2009. We expect to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and net carbon neutrality by 2050.
“However, we know that the road ahead is not easy. Roughly 85% of emissions are generated by third parties – i.e., our suppliers and airlines. Therefore, we also encourage them to reduce emissions, for example, by offering green electricity. We are very pleased that Menzies Aviation decided to install a photovoltaic power plant in Prague. We are also active in this direction and plan to expand the use of photovoltaic panels on more suitable buildings at the airport.”
