Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, operated by VINCI Airports, achieves Level 5 of Airport Carbon Accreditation

October 2, 2025

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport,in France, operated by VINCI Airports has reached Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, confirming a net zero carbon balance for the emissions under its direct control.

Since 2016, VINCI Airports has led an ambitious environmental action plan for Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which has resulted in a 94% reduction in direct CO₂ emissions (scopes 1 and 2) between 2013 and 2024. This transformation has been driven by a combination of initiatives, including the shift to 100% green electricity and the widespread adoption of LED lighting, the switch to 100% biogas for heating alongside innovative heat recovery systems, and the rationalisation and electrification of the airport’s vehicle fleet. Investments in more efficient air conditioning systems and strict control of refrigerant leaks have further strengthened this decarbonisation effort. Thanks to these measures, Lyon-Saint Exupéry reached its net zero target one year ahead of schedule, and has committed to maintaining emissions below 500 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year.

At Level 5, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport also stands out for the decisive steps it is taking to support the wider decarbonisation of its business partners. Among the most significant initiatives is the deployment of large-scale photovoltaic power plants, with a capacity of 25 MWp by 2025, part of which directly supplies neighbouring communities with renewable electricity. The airport has also invested in hydrogen distribution infrastructure, beginning with the Hympulsion station inaugurated in partnership with the Auvergne Rhône Alpes Region. At the same time, the progressive electrification of ground vehicles and the installation of 850 charging points in airport car parks by 2026 are creating the conditions for cleaner mobility across the site. Further measures include the modulation of landing charges to favour lower-emitting aircraft and the distribution of sustainable aviation fuels in line with the EU ReFuel regulation. Looking ahead, Lyon-Saint Exupéry is advancing a pioneering project for the local production and supply of sustainable synthetic aviation fuels, in collaboration with H2V and Hy2gen.

Find out more about the sustainability strategy of VINCI Airports here.