300 airports in Europe now accredited under Airport Carbon Accreditation

In June 2009, at the ACI EUROPE Annual Congress in Manchester, the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was launched with an ambitious goal: to provide airports with a globally recognised framework for managing and reducing their CO2 emissions. Starting with 17 airports joining in the first year, the programme has grown exponentially, with more than 300 airports across Europe now actively addressing their environmental impact. Globally, more than 600 airports are accredited under the programme.

From Tallinn to Paphos and from Ponta Delgada to Ivalo, airports across Europe are united in their commitment to decarbonisation, working to reduce their environmental footprint. This progress is driven by significant initiatives such as investments in renewable energy production, renewing vehicle fleets with electric cars, and optimising heating systems. Airports are also fostering partnerships with third parties, including airlines, ground handlers, and retailers, encouraging them to reduce their own emissions under Scope 3, creating a comprehensive and collaborative approach to decarbonisation.

Notably, 16 airports across Europe have achieved Level 5 accreditation, the highest level of the programme introduced at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023. The latest to reach this milestone is Naples International Airport. These pioneers have reached net zero carbon emissions for activities under their direct control and remain firmly committed to achieving net zero for Scope 3 emissions by 2050 or sooner.

Congratulations to all the airports for their commitment to decarbonisation. We look forward to celebrating the next milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable future for aviation.

For more information about Airport Carbon Accreditation and the airports involved, visit https://www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org/