The fight against global warming is one of the biggest challenges facing the aviation industry at the moment, but it seems that Stansted Airport has found a winning formula when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.

Bosses at the south-east airport have confirmed that energy consumption was cut by 3.61 per cent in 2012 and CO2 output dropped by six per cent.

The transport hub also managed to hold on to its Carbon Trust Standard, which was introduced in 2007/08 to reward organisations that demonstrate good practice in carbon footprint management and reduction.

74.5 per cent of the airport's waste was also diverted away from landfill - 4.5 per cent higher than its original target.

New managing director of the facility Andrew Harrison said the last 12 months have been challenging for the industry as a whole, but these results are cause for celebration.

"Under the new ownership of Manchester Airports Group we have a clear ambition to deliver dramatic improvements to the passenger experience alongside ensuring our operations are sustainable both today and in the future," he remarked.