Airport Carbon Accreditation is a globally recognized certification program that measures and acknowledges the efforts of airports in managing and reducing their carbon emissions. It provides a framework for airports to systematically assess, reduce, and offset their carbon footprints, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the aviation sector.
The accreditation program comprises four levels: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, and Neutrality. These levels represent a step-by-step progression towards carbon neutrality. In the Mapping stage, airports calculate and establish a baseline of their carbon emissions. In the Reduction stage, airports implement projects and measures to decrease their carbon emissions over time. In the Optimization stage, airports focus on further improvement and identify means to reduce emissions in collaboration with other stakeholders. Finally, the Neutrality stage requires airports to offset any unavoidable carbon emissions through certified emission reduction projects.
To achieve and maintain Airport Carbon Accreditation, airports must provide clear evidence of their carbon management efforts, demonstrate transparency in reporting, and commit to continual improvement. Accredited airports are regularly audited by independent experts to ensure their compliance with the program's criteria.
Airport Carbon Accreditation plays a vital role in promoting sustainability within the aviation industry by encouraging airports to adopt environmentally friendly practices, enhance energy efficiency, promote renewable energy usage, minimize waste generation, and invest in carbon offsetting initiatives. It enables airports to demonstrate their commitment towards mitigating climate change and sets a benchmark for other airports to follow, ultimately contributing to the collective effort of reducing the sector's carbon emissions.
