Florianópolis International Airport becomes Brazil’s highest-accredited airport

April 3, 2025

Florianópolis International Airport has achieved Level 4 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, making it the highest-accredited airport in Brazil and one of the top three accredited airports in Latin America & the Caribbean. Operated by Zurich Airport Brazil, the airport is committed to reducing its carbon footprint in alignment with the Paris Agreement and IPCC objectives.

In just one year, Florianópolis International Airport reduced its CO₂ emissions from 377 tonnes in 2023 to 199 tonnes in 2024. The airport is aiming to reach net zero by 2040.

One of the airport’s key sustainability initiatives is the installation of a 400 Hertz Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) system, which provides clean energy to aircraft while on the ground. This project has prevented the emission of 2,734.7 tonnes of greenhouse gases—equivalent to the CO₂ absorbed by 21,000 trees in the Atlantic Forest.

The airport also uses Carbon Flow, an emissions monitoring system developed in-house, to optimise sustainability strategies across operations.

Ricardo Gesse, CEO of Zurich Airport Brazil, highlighted the significance of the achievement: “This achievement is extraordinary and reflects the commitment of multiple areas within our company to sustainable management. This recognition is a source of pride and proves that we are on the right path with our ESG strategies.”

Rafael Echevarne, Director General Latin America & the Caribbean, praised the airport’s leadership in climate action: “Florianópolis International Airport is setting a benchmark for sustainability, not only in Brazil but across the region.”