Airport Carbon Accreditation accelerates decarbonisation with record emissions reductions and expanding global reach

The Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme is emerging as a central instrument for airport decarbonisation, offering a common methodology and an independently verified route-map that airports of every size can use to measure, manage and cut CO2 emissions. Alexandre de Joybert, director of sustainability at ACI EUROPE, sets out how the programme is helping the sector move from intent to measurable action.

Launched to provide an institutionally endorsed benchmark for airport carbon management, the scheme establishes a stepped progression from basic footprint measurement through to full net zero ambition for emissions under airport control and, ultimately, engagement across wider value chains. Its tiered structure acknowledges the diversity of airport operations and local constraints , from energy supply mix and regulatory settings to the split between passenger, cargo and general aviation activities , while offering a consistent framework for progress.

Independent data shows the approach is delivering tangible reductions. The Airport Carbon Accreditation annual report for the period May 2023–May 2024 records a collective cut of 1,037,292 tonnes of CO2 across Scope 1 and 2 emissions, equal to roughly the annual electricity use of more than 200,000 households. During that reporting year 558 airports in 87 countries were accredited under the programme; 70 of those joined for the first time and 132 advanced to a higher level of carbon management. Industry tracking also indicates that just over half of global passenger traffic now moves through airports certified by the scheme, extending its influence across the network of major hubs and regional gateways.

Momentum has continued since the reporting window. At COP29, delegates were told that over 600 airports worldwide are now engaged in the Airport Carbon Accreditation process, underscoring rapid uptake since the scheme began in 2009 when only a handful of facilities participated. The COP29 event also highlighted regional expansion: Heydar Aliyev International Airport was celebrated for becoming the first in its subregion to reach Level 2 certification, while examples elsewhere demonstrate movement up the ladder to the most demanding benchmarks.

Progress to the higher levels is notable. More than one hundred airports have attained the programme’s advanced Levels 4 and 4+, aligning management strategies with the Paris Agreement, and a growing cohort have reached Level 5, which recognises net zero performance for emissions directly under airport control and a commitment to addressing Scope 3 by 2050 or earlier. Recent Level 5 graduates include airports in Europe, India and Australia, with Salvador Bahia Airport in Brazil becoming the first in the Americas to secure the top tier after reducing more than 90% of its Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

The practical measures behind those headline figures are varied and increasingly sophisticated. On-site renewable generation, particularly PV installations configured for self-consumption, is widespread and has proven effective at lowering both emissions and operating costs; operators such as VINCI Airports report deployment of numerous solar farms across their estate, while Athens International has reached full on-site renewable coverage for its electricity needs. Electrification of ground service equipment and airside fleets is accelerating at major hubs , Quito, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta and Singapore Changi have recorded material savings , and airports in Brussels and Zurich are experimenting with autonomous electric airside shuttles. Parallel investments in hydrogen-ready infrastructure and pilot projects at Schiphol, Copenhagen and SEA Milan signal a recognition that multiple technologies will be needed to decarbonise different airport functions.

Looking ahead, the coming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) will place fresh emphasis on coordination across stakeholders. According to de Joybert and industry observers, sustained progress depends on airports working more closely with airlines, ground handlers, energy providers, technology developers and regulators to scale sustainable aviation fuels, broaden access to renewable and low-carbon electricity, deploy hydrogen supply chains and accelerate fleet electrification. The Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme will continue to evolve to reflect scientific evidence and stakeholder expectations, providing an auditable route for airports to demonstrate their climate credentials.

For decision-makers involved in industrial decarbonisation, the scheme offers a tested template for programme design: a clear progression of performance levels, third-party verification, comparability across diverse operators and a platform to aggregate sectoral emissions reductions. As more airports align strategy with international climate goals and report verified savings, the accreditation framework will remain a central mechanism by which the aviation infrastructure sector translates net zero commitments into operational reality.