The Decade of Change report shows that carbon emissions have been cut by 32.6% while energy used was down by 16.6%.

Nor is it sending any operational waste to landfill with 49% now recycled with the rest burnt in power generators.

The airport has also revealed it spent more than £71 million with local suppliers and employs close to 12,000 people in the local area.

Annual nitrogen dioxide levels on the airfield also fell from 31 to 28 micrograms per cubic metre in 2015 – almost a third below the legal limit of 40. 

The initiatives have all been highlighted by the report, which has been released half way through a decade-long programme aiming to make Gatwick more sustainable.

Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Taken together the Decade of Change targets demonstrate the airport’s commitment to the local environment and also our determination to be the best neighbour possible.

“Teams across Gatwick have strived to achieve, and in some cases exceed, these ambitious sustainability targets. 

“It is testament to the hard work of our staff that we have come so far so quickly, and remain on track to become the UK’s most sustainable airport.

“Air quality is central to the expansion debate and today’s results show that Gatwick continues to stay well within legal limits.”