Reducing carbon and increasing airport sustainability
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 readingNews
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 readingNews
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 readingAccredited airports
by world region
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