Aviation and the global connectivity it enables is the life-blood of our modern-day world. The benefits and opportunities to societies, individuals and economies flowing from air connectivity have driven the industry’s rise to one of the preferred modes of transport across all world regions.
At the same time, concern around the sector’s impact on the climate has come to the fore of public debate in recent years, making a case for deeper emission cuts and faster business transformation.
Airports, the visible face of aviation on the ground, are no strangers to effective CO2 management. For over a decade they have been working collectively to address their emissions under the auspices of Airport Carbon Accreditation, yielding tangible carbon savings each year.
Expanding on this remarkable history and acknowledging the necessity for constant enhancement, the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme has introduced Level 5, the highest achievement within the programme. Airports can now validate their efforts in maintaining a Net Zero carbon balance for Scopes 1 and 2 while also addressing Scope 3 emissions, showcasing their commitment to a sustainable future for the aviation sector as a whole.
Discover below the Airport Carbon Accreditation recipe for effective airport climate action.
What is Airport Carbon Accreditation ?
Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. It strives to allow the airport industry to effectively reduce its environmental footprint, to benefit from increased efficiency through lowered CO2 emissions, shared expertise and knowledge exchange, as well as better communication of the results.
More information on the programme can be accessed here.
7 levels of accreditation
The programme provides a unique common framework and tool for active carbon management at airports with measurable results. It covers the operational activities that contribute most to carbon emissions. It is site-specific and can be used at any airport as part of its daily environmental management activity and long term strategy as it helps to guide and support airports through a process of continual improvement and partnership with stakeholders.
Level 1 : Mapping
Footprint measurement
- Determine emissions sources within the operational boundary of the airport company.
- Calculate the annual carbon emissions.
- Compile a carbon footprint report.
Level 2 : Reduction
Carbon management towards a reduced carbon footprint
- All of the above plus:
- Provide evidence of effective carbon management procedures.
- Show quantified emissions reductions.
Level 3 : Optimisation
Third party engagement in carbon footprint reduction
- All of the above plus:
- Widen the scope of carbon footprint to include third party emissions.
- Engage third parties at and around the airport.
Level 3+ : Neutrality
Carbon neutrality for direct emissions by offsetting
- All of the above plus:
- Offset remaining emissions for all emissions over which the airport has control with high quality carbon credits.
Level 4 : Transformation
Transforming airport operations and those of its business partners to achieve absolute emissions reductions
- Define a long-term carbon management strategy oriented towards absolute emissions reductions, aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
- Demonstrate evidence of actively driving third parties towards delivering emissions reductions.
Level 4+: Transition
Compensation for residual emissions with reliable offsets
- All of the above plus:
- Offset the residual carbon emissions over which the airport has control, using internationally recognised offsets.
Level 5: Topmost Level of Airport Carbon Accreditation
Level 5 is the topmost level in Airport Carbon Accreditation programme
- Maintaining a Net Zero balance on scopes 1 and 2 and actively addressing Scope 3 emissions, strengthening approach to 3rd party engagement, offset removals for residual emissions