Reducing carbon and increasing airport sustainability
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Press Release
March 24, 2026
Global carbon standard releases latest results of airport climate action worldwide
Brussels, 24 March 2026: Airports Council International has today published the annual results on carbon performance and participation trends for its...
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September 3, 2026
Bordeaux Airport achieves Level 4 strengthening its pathway to net zero by 2029
Bordeaux Airport in France has reached Level 4 of Airport Carbon Accreditation, aligning its carbon management ambition with global climate...
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August 27, 2026
Aalborg Airport achieves Level 4+ in Airport Carbon Accreditation
Aalborg Airport has upgraded to Level 4+ of Airport Carbon Accreditation, recognising its work to reduce emissions from airport controlled...
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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: ‘Level 1’, ‘Level 2’, ‘Level 3’, ‘Level 3+’, ‘Level 4’, ‘Level 4+’ and ‘Level 5’.
Level 1
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
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
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+
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
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+
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