Level 5, the new highest level of Airport Carbon Accreditation launched at COP28 in Dubai
On 6th December, ACI launched “Level 5”, the new topmost level of achievement in its global Airport Carbon Accreditation programme at the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP28). This milestone confirms the determination and readiness of the airport industry to deliver on its ambitious climate commitments and contribute to the decarbonisation of aviation – fully aligning with the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The programme’s latest and most ambitious yet development will certify airports for:
- Reaching and maintaining a net zero carbon balance for emissions under their control (Scope 1 and 2), and
- Extending mapping, influencing and reporting requirements for all other emissions (Scope 3).
The introduction of Level 5 builds on the trajectory of evolution set by the introduction of Levels 4 and 4+ in 2020. These earlier levels already certify airports for following a CO2 emissions reduction pathway aligned with the objective of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming by 1.5°C/2°C.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said: “Since its launch back in 2009, Airport Carbon Accreditation has become the global standard for carbon management at airports – with 557 airports certified across 5 continents to date. While the programme’s requirements and structure have evolved overtime to reflect both science and societal expectations, the launch of Level 5 today marks a pivotal shift. The establishment of a reference framework for airports achieving and maintaining a net-zero carbon balance for emissions under their control reflects the fact that airports are starting to deliver on their net zero commitments. Crucially, Level 5 also pushes airports to extend their focus beyond those direct CO2 emissions, by following a comprehensive approach in measuring their Scope 3 emissions and influencing their reduction towards net zero by 2050.”
He added: “Level 5 signifies genuine business transformation, and I wholeheartedly congratulate the trailblazing airports from the Royal Schiphol Group, Christchurch, VINCI Airports and Swedavia that have pioneered it and met all its stringent requirements.”
Discover the ten pioneer airports accredited and more about Level 5 here.
Watch our animation spelling out the key tenets of the new Level 5
Watch the launch recording from the ATAG Global Sustainable Aviation Summit at COP28
