Global airports set record-breaking results in Airport Carbon Accreditation, with Europe firmly in the lead
Airports globally are making significant strides towards mitigating their impact on the climate, according to the latest results from the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme released this month. Between May 2021 and May 2022, the global community of airports certified by the programme reduced CO2 emissions under their control by 549,643 tonnes, a reduction of 8.1%. In addition, 898,821 tonnes of CO2 were compensated with high-quality carbon credits. This is the largest ever reduction achieved through the programme, which highlights the airport industry’s ongoing commitment to mitigating its impact on the climate, despite the continued COVID-19 difficulties. Growth in new accreditations and upgrades to higher levels was reported across all world regions, leading to 395 accredited airports in 79 countries at the end of the reporting period, with 89 airports holding advanced levels of carbon management (Levels 3+/4/4+).
European progress made within the global carbon standard for airports emerged as the standout star. In the newly published report, European airports outperformed the global growth factor with a 32% increase in participation numbers, reaching 204 accredited airports at the end of the programme year. Furthermore, European airports have topped the ranking of the highest number of airports at the more advanced levels of accreditation, Levels 3+ and 4/4+. These levels require airports to align their carbon management and reduction trajectory with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. European airports also outperformed the global average in carbon performance, registering a -11.9% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions compared to the global reduction rate of -8.1%. The total reduction achieved amounted to -242,626 tonnes of CO2. This is a commendable effort by the airports in Europe, showing their commitment to tackling climate change and reducing their emissions.
Download your copy of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Annual Report 2021-2022.
