Between 2023 and 2024, the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program has reported significant achievements in reducing carbon emissions among accredited airports. This globally recognized certification program, which focuses on carbon management, announced that airports collectively cut down over one million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, specifically achieving a reduction of 1,037,292 tonnes, representing a 14.8% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This reduction is comparable to the yearly energy consumption of over 200,000 average households.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the ACA has expanded its scope, with a record 558 airports across 87 countries now accredited. Among them, 70 airports have joined the program for the first time, while 132 have advanced to higher levels of carbon management. The report outlines regional contributions, highlighting that the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions accounted for the most significant reductions at 529,421 tonnes, followed by Europe (278,570 tonnes), North America (150,184 tonnes), Africa (48,406 tonnes), and Latin America & the Caribbean (30,710 tonnes).
According to the ACA’s recent annual report, 15 airports have achieved the prestigious Level 5 accreditation, having reached net-zero emissions under their control and committed to full decarbonization by 2050. Olivier Jankovec, director general of Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, expressed optimism, noting that integrating carbon reduction into airport operations has become a global priority amid accelerating climate change.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Nadi International Airport in Fiji recently achieved Level 4 Transformation accreditation under the ACA framework, making it the first airport in the Blue Pacific to obtain this status. This recognition highlights the airport’s alignment with global climate goals and dedication to emissions reduction through various initiatives, including the use of solar-powered electric vehicles and the installation of solar energy systems for powering airport infrastructure.
CEO Mesake Nawari emphasized that this achievement reflects Fiji Airports’ ongoing efforts to combat climate change, showcasing its commitment to sustainability in the aviation sector. The airport’s proactive approach, which encompasses comprehensive sustainability initiatives and a commitment to reaching net-zero by 2050, positions it as a leader among airports in alignment with environmental standards.
These advancements signify a positive trajectory for the aviation industry, illustrating that smaller airports can play a crucial role in sustainability and climate action. With increasing recognition of the environmental impact of aviation, the collaboration among airports worldwide underscores a hopeful path towards achieving ambitious carbon reduction goals and ensuring a greener future for the aviation sector.
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