Donegal Airport becomes Ireland’s first airport to achieve Level 4 Transformation

January 20, 2025

We are delighted to announce that Donegal Airport in Ireland has successfully upgraded to Level 4 Transformation of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

Achieving this milestone reflects the airport’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and aligns with its ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions across all scopes by 2050, following the IPCC 1.5°C emissions reduction pathway.

To significantly reduce energy consumption and associated emissions, Donegal Airport has undertaken extensive energy efficiency measures. These include a comprehensive upgrade of lighting systems across the terminal, fire station, hangar, car park, and aerodrome ground lighting to energy-efficient LED technology. The airport has also enhanced its use of renewable energy by installing a solar PV system on the hangar roof. Further improvements to the thermal efficiency of the terminal building, including a new roof and the installation of a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery System, demonstrate Donegal Airport’s proactive approach to reducing its environmental impact.

Investment in sustainable transport has also been a priority. The airport has introduced electric ground support vehicles and installed EV charging points in the public car park, encouraging staff and airport users to transition to electric vehicles.

Stakeholder engagement has played a pivotal role in Donegal Airport’s journey to Level 4 Transformation. The airport has actively collaborated with airlines, local transport providers, car rental companies, and the local authority to raise awareness of climate change and foster collective efforts to reduce emissions.

Eilís Docherty, Managing Director of Donegal Airport, commented: “The Chairperson, Board of Directors and Management of Donegal Airport are particularly proud at being the first Irish airport to achieve Level 4.   This certification has been earned by the commitment of the airport staff and wider airport stakeholders to our published Net Zero ambitions and we will continue to work towards our interim goal of a 70% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and a Long term target of Net Zero emissions across all scopes no later than 2050”.

Find out more about the Environmental Policy of Donegal Airport here