Aerial forest canopy forming the HAE symbol

Environmental,
Social & Governance

At HAE, we recognise the importance of addressing the environmental and social impact of our operations.

Committed EcoVadis sustainability rating

We understand the responsibility we bear in mitigating our carbon footprint and contributing positively to the communities we serve.

Our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is ingrained in every aspect of our business, driving us to implement innovative strategies and initiatives that prioritise sustainability and social responsibility. In 2024, we were awarded a Committed company sustainability rating badge from EcoVadis, a global provider of business sustainability ratings.

Empty Spaces Project field work in Kenya

Empty Spaces Project

In March 2025 HAE Group Tree Planting Club arrived in Ngandu village in Kenya delivering 2,000 improved varieties of fruit tree seedlings. This was the beginning of our new Empty Spaces project implementation.

The idea of filling empty spaces on local farmers’ fields with fruit trees was developed with the aim to help the community transition to more sustainable agriculture practices, improve the environment and create new economic opportunities.

Empty Spaces Report
Airside LED lighting

Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Both HAE Belfast Airport Handling and East Midlands Airport Handling have introduced new LED flood lighting across 2024 and 2025, delivering stronger lighting performance in a more robust and energy-efficient package.

The installations replaced older halogen systems that generated more heat, consumed more electricity and required more maintenance.

Cargo aircraft and greenhouse gas mitigation

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Embracing sustainable solutions, we continue investing in new equipment with significantly lower emissions, less noise pollution and improved health and safety performance.

We have also implemented measures to minimise business travel, leveraging online platforms like Teams for local and international meetings, significantly reducing GHG emissions associated with travel.

ISO certification stamp

External Certifications

HAE holds the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification across various domains of our operations, demonstrating robust quality-management systems and recognised international standards.

Both BAHL and EMAH also hold ISO 45001:2018 certification, demonstrating occupational health and safety management systems that meet an international standard.

Social Responsibility

At HAE, our commitment to social responsibility extends beyond our external initiatives. It begins within our own organisation. We prioritise the well-being and happiness of our team members, recognising that a thriving workforce is the cornerstone of our success.

Embracing The Future Of Work

HAE champions hybrid working where the companies’ goals are still achieved whilst also allowing our business to retain a work-life balance. We measure our team’s happiness through surveys and have recorded a positive increase over the last year.

Prioritising Well-Being

We support our employees with confidential mental health support and opportunities to stay healthy, while actively supporting local charities that benefit from the team’s social conscience.

Commitment to Fair Pay

BAHL are proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer, ensuring that every member of our team and those working on our behalf earns a wage that meets the real cost of living.

Explore our comprehensive Annual Environmental Reports to stay informed about our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.