Reducing carbon and increasing airport sustainability

0 airports in the programme
In0 countries across the world
Welcoming0billion billion passengers a year
That's0% of the global air passenger traffic

Latest News
& Press Releases

Press Release

December 6, 2023

Global carbon standard launches its new pinnacle at COP28, certifying airports for achieving net zero carbon balance

Ten frontrunner airports certified at the new Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, having achieved net zero for...

Continue reading

News

December 5, 2023

Belo Horizonte becomes the highest accredited airport in Brazil

We are delighted to announce that Belo Horizonte International Airport has met all the requirements to upgrade to Level 3+...

Continue reading

News

November 20, 2023

Winnipeg International Airport achieves Level 3

We are delighted to announce that Winnipeg International Airport in Canada, has successfully achieved Level 3 Optimisation of Airport Carbon...

Continue reading

Accredited airports
by world region

74
Airports certified in North-America
76
Airports certified in Latin-America & Caribbean
291
Airports certified in Europe
30
Airports certified in Africa
86
Airports certified in Asia-Pacific

What is Airport Carbon Accreditation?

Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. It independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through 7 levels of certification: ‘Mapping’, ‘Reduction’, ‘Optimisation’, ‘Neutrality’, ‘Transformation’, ‘Transition’ and ‘Level 5’.

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

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