Mobility is part of our everyday lives - but has often been associated with climate-damaging emissions . Air traffic also causes greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. According to estimates, global air traffic is responsible for around 3 to 5 per cent of man-made global warming. But this is set to change.
Travellers at Stuttgart Airport already have the opportunity to actively improve their carbon footprint.
Less baggage means fewer emissions
Lightweight luggage helps the climate: every extra kilo in your suitcase increases the weight of the flight - and therefore paraffin consumption. So packing light not only protects your back, but also the environment.
Travelling to the airport in a climate-friendly way
Stuttgart Airport is one of the best-connected locations in Baden-Württemberg. Travelling by S-Bahn, light rail, bus or bicycle reduces emissions - as do journeys by electric car or car sharing. So your climate-conscious journey begins even before you take off.
It pays to stay longer
If you fly far, you should stay longer. This makes more efficient use of the flight and improves the carbon footprint.
The environmental organisation WWF recommends a stay of at least eight days for trips of up to 2,000 kilometres - for example from STR to Crete. For long-distance journeys, 15 days or more is ideal.
Conscious travelling creates space for relaxation - and allows more time to get to know the country and its people in depth.
Stay overnight in an environmentally friendly way
When choosing accommodation, it is worth taking a look at environmental certificates. Whether it's a hotel, hostel or campsite - certified establishments implement targeted measures to save energy and resources.
Tip: Look out for relevant awards when booking.
For example, a flight from Stuttgart to Crete generates around 550 kilograms of CO₂ - i.e. around 1,100 kilograms for a return flight. The exact amount of emissions varies depending on the route and aircraft type.
Tip: If you want to know exactly, you can calculate and offset your CO₂ emissions online. The price depends on the selected flight connection.
CO₂ emissions can be offset with a voluntary contribution - by supporting global climate protection projects. This saves emissions elsewhere - for example, where they would otherwise be generated by fossil fuels.
One example: In Honduras, a small hydropower plant supplies neighbouring villages with clean electricity. This avoids around 36 thousand tonnes of CO₂ every year. At the same time, the project promotes education, technology transfer and local value creation - thus contributing to sustainable development.
atmosfair works according to the highest quality standards. All projects are certified and independently audited. The offsetting costs take all climate effects into account - and every donation is confirmed with a certificate.
Flying with sustainable fuel
With FLY on SAF, fossil paraffin can be replaced by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - an aviation fuel made from renewable raw materials such as agricultural waste.
The advantages at a glance:
SAF is currently still more expensive than conventional fuel and currently accounts for around 0.1 % of global production. Those who opt for FLY on SAF improve their own carbon footprint - and support the transformation towards more sustainable air transport.
Good to know: The sustainable fuel is refuelled at a nearby airport - this avoids additional emissions caused by long transport routes. The climate impact is confirmed by a verified certificate.
Synthetic, electricity-based fuels and innovative propulsion technologies are seen as the key to more climate-friendly air transport. For this change to succeed, a joint commitment is needed - from aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports and other partners. They all share a common goal: to make air transport sustainable, future-proof and responsible.
More efficient engines for lower emissions
Modern aircraft consume significantly less fuel than their predecessors - and emit correspondingly less CO₂.
Stuttgart Airport is sending out a clear signal: With targeted innovation funding, airlines are supported in using quieter and lower-emission aircraft.
Since mid-2019, the airport's fee schedule has created financial incentives for the operation of modern aircraft. Models such as the Airbus A320neo or A321neo are now a familiar sight at STR - an important step towards more climate-friendly flying.
Sustainable paraffin
Sustainably produced paraffin is not a dream of the future - it is already a reality. It has been successfully tested and can be produced from renewable electricity using the power-to-liquid process. However, production is currently still limited.
One example: since 2021, the non-profit organisation atmosfair has been producing e-kerosene in Germany together with its partner Solarbelt.
Stuttgart Airport is specifically supporting the use of such sustainable fuels - with financial incentives via the charge system.
Flying electrically
The future of flying is picking up speed at Stuttgart Airport: Together with partners from research and industry, work is being carried out on emission-free air transport. H2FLY GmbH - a spin-off from the University of Ulm and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) - is developing innovative fuel cell propulsion systems. Stuttgart Airport is supporting the research with targeted funding.
A milestone: the Hy4 fuel cell aircraft celebrated its world premiere at STR in 2016. It flies purely electrically and offers space for up to four people. To further advance development, the first e-passenger aircraft are allowed to take off and land in Stuttgart free of charge for one year.
It will be some time before these innovations are available on a large scale and at competitive prices. For climate-friendly flying to become the norm, clear framework conditions are needed - such as an industrial policy strategy for targeted promotion and the expansion of sustainable production capacities for alternative fuels. Only with sufficient quantities will the change in aviation succeed.
Although Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH (FSG) can only have an indirect impact on the carbon footprint of flying, it provides important impetus for greater sustainability in aviation by promoting technology and offering financial incentives.
The airport is taking responsibility in its own operations: the Destination STRzero programme is continuously reducing the carbon footprint - with the aim of operating Baden-Württemberg's state airport on a net greenhouse gas-neutral basis by 2040.
