Questions emerge over environmental cost of Clacton Airshow

Ardleigh councillor Zoe Fairley asked a full council meeting how the annual event’s carbon footprint is measured against its £12million income.

She also asked whether a full carbon audit had been carried out to ensure the show meets regional environmental standards.

(Image: Seana Hughes)

This year's airshow took place on August 27-28, and saw approximately 200,000 people attend.

In 2021, the council said it was exploring schemes to offset the reported 275 tonnes of carbon emissions from that year’s airshow.

Council tourism boss Ivan Henderson confirmed the authority has not commissioned a standalone carbon audit of the two-day event.

He said: “The council recognises the importance of balancing the economic, social and tourism benefits of the Clacton Airshow with the need to minimise environmental impacts.

"However, environmental considerations form part of the event's planning and review processes.

"We recognise the environmental impact extends beyond aircraft activity and includes visitor travel, trader activity, waste generation, energy use and event infrastructure.

"The British Air Display Association notes visitor travel is often the largest contributor to an air show's overall carbon footprint, and emissions from display aircraft can account for less than 20 per cent of an event's total footprint.

"The council actively encourages more sustainable travel choices through information provided on the website, including promotion of public transport, walking and cycling."

(Image: The Flyimg Comrades)

Mr Henderson said council sustainability guidance for traders covers reducing single-use plastic, using sustainable materials and increasing recycling.

Visitors are encouraged to recycle, reduce waste and use water-refill facilities at the event.

Mr Henderson said: "The organisers work closely with display teams and industry partners who are themselves pursuing ambitious sustainability targets.

"The Royal Air Force has committed to becoming climate-change resilient and achieving net zero by 2040, with work underway on sustainable aviation fuel.

"The council remains committed to reducing environmental impacts while recognising the economic, social, educational and community benefits."

The council also says it works with Harwich-based Firefly, which is developing technology to turn sewage sludge into aviation fuel.

The council has also planted 1,667 tree saplings across the district.

Busy - a Clacton Airshow attracts more than 200,000 visitors (Image: Newsquest)

And solar panels being installed at Tendring Council's Sunspot business centre in Jaywick are projected to cut carbon emissions by around 15 tonnes a year.