Développement durable

Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport has chosen to adopt a voluntary approach that enables it to monitor, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions under its direct control (Scopes 1 and 2).

The airport operator’s emissions were assessed at 105 tCO₂e in 2019 and 22 tCO₂e in 2023 — representing an 80% reduction thanks to the actions implemented:

• Removal of an oil-fired boiler in December 2022

• Replacement of a diesel vehicle with an electric vehicle (maintenance vehicle)

• 10% reduction in electricity consumption thanks to:

  • Deployment of a centralised technical management system to control heating and air conditioning

  • Installation of motion detectors in the terminal

  • Regular adjustment of timers to align signage and exterior lighting with sunrise and sunset times

  • Development of an energy conservation plan for winter 2022/2023

  • Gradual replacement of lighting with LED technology

• Subscription to a 100% renewable electricity contract since January 2021

The “Net Zero” target — corresponding to a 90% reduction — will be achieved by 2040, notably through the replacement of diesel vehicles. The remaining 10% (residual emissions) will be offset.

Aircraft emissions in and around La Rochelle Airport have been assessed by the consultancy firm ENVISA using the LTO (Landing and Take-Off) methodology — which covers emissions from approach, landing, taxiing, take-off, and initial climb below 3,000 feet (915 metres). Aircraft emissions in and around the airport were estimated at 2,379 tCO₂e for the year 2023.

For aircraft movement emissions (Scope 3), La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport will benefit from the aviation sector’s decarbonisation roadmap. Airlines are also committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their operations, as demonstrated by the long-term goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, adopted by ICAO at its latest General Assembly, in line with the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The main levers for decarbonisation in the aviation sector include optimising flight routes, increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and renewing fleets with more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Preserving biodiversity

The Syndicat Mixte has chosen to stop using phytosanitary (chemical plant protection) products at both La Rochelle – Île de Ré and Rochefort – Charente-Maritime airports. Fence lines are now weeded mechanically, while aircraft parking areas are treated using thermal weeding techniques.

The Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Natural Areas Conservancy of Nouvelle-Aquitaine) has taken an interest in the ecological potential of the naturally occurring grasslands at the airports, with the aim of harvesting seeds to help restore meadow habitats elsewhere.

• Unseeded hay meadows are among the rarest natural environments in the region — particularly in Aunis, where cultivated land dominates and existing grasslands are either sown or grazed.
• In June 2023, as part of its “Pictagraine” programme, the Conservatoire harvested 172 kg of seeds from approximately 5 hectares using a brush harvester.
• The second Pictagraine harvest, carried out in July 2024, yielded 300 kg of seeds.
• A non-exhaustive inventory recorded 62 plant species, including 10 grass species — compared to only 2 or 3 typically found in sown agricultural meadows — demonstrating a rich and diverse plant ecosystem.

Reducing noise disturbance

Since its creation in 2019, the Syndicat Mixte has made it a priority to foster dialogue among stakeholders (neighbouring municipalities, associations, and airport users) and has actively encouraged the implementation of concrete measures to manage noise pollution and reduce disturbance.

Key actions include:

• Organising and facilitating information and discussion meetings.
• Introducing a reporting form and a dedicated contact email address for local residents wishing to enquire about specific overflights
• Amending the service specification for the La Rochelle – Lyon public service route, resulting in:
  → A reduction in the number of weekly return flights (from 11 in 2019 to 2 or 3 per week as of April 2023)
  → The end of early morning departures at 6:00 a.m. (previously five times a week, Monday to Friday) and late arrivals at 10:00 p.m. (previously six times a week, Sunday to Friday)
• Letters sent to military authorities to raise awareness of residents’ concerns regarding fighter jet overflights

Air Navigation Services have also adapted flight paths and procedures to help reduce noise disturbance:

• Introduction of a satellite-based guidance procedure (GNSS) for arrivals on Runway 09 and withdrawal of the MVL (Visual Manoeuvring).
  Previously, when weather conditions did not permit visual landings on Runway 09, IFR aircraft would follow the procedure for Runway 27 and then perform a visual circling manoeuvre at low altitude over Lagord and L’Houmeau. Since the introduction of the GNSS (satellite-guided) procedure in November 2020, this manoeuvre is now used only in exceptional cases.
• Runway 27 is designated in the aeronautical publication as the preferred runway at La Rochelle Airport. It is therefore used as a priority — particularly for take-offs over the sea — when weather conditions permit.
• For departures on Runway 09, air traffic control no longer offers intersection take-offs, except for reasons of traffic management or safety. Aircraft now taxi to the start of Runway 09, allowing them to overfly Lagord at a higher altitude.
• The VAC (Visual Approach Chart) was updated in November 2021 to eliminate ambiguity and encourage both resident and visiting pilots to follow the ring road route. Based pilots have been made aware of this good practice.

Improving waste recovery

Since early 2020, the Syndicat Mixte has implemented a policy for sorting, collecting, and recovering waste at La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport, in partnership with the Waste Management and Prevention Service of the La Rochelle Urban Community (CDA) and BIOTOP, an eco-network of businesses in the La Rochelle area

• Dedicated bins for paper collection are provided for airport staff.
• A glass container has been installed by the CDA of La Rochelle.
• A joint effort has been initiated with Lagardère, operator of the Trib’s catering area, to encourage customers to better sort glass and recyclable packaging.
• Specific waste items such as cardboard, wooden pallets, scrap metal, used furniture, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), light bulbs, batteries, PVC tarpaulins, printer cartridges and toners, etc., are taken to BIOTOP for improved recycling and recovery.