Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability by earning the Level 2 (Reduction) Certificate under the global Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. This achievement recognizes the airport’s substantial progress in reducing carbon emissions over the past three years. The ACA program, established by Airports Council International (ACI), is a globally recognized initiative dedicated to minimizing the environmental footprint of airports worldwide.
Baku Airport, having successfully completed the initial Mapping stage, has now advanced to Level 2 (Reduction) by implementing a series of key projects. These projects focus on modernizing various aspects of the airport’s infrastructure, including lighting, water supply, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. By implementing these upgrades, the airport has achieved further reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Notably, the airport has eliminated the use of R-22 refrigerant and mercury vapor, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
“It’s a proud moment to see Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the busiest airport in Azerbaijan, becoming the first in the country to join Airport Carbon Accreditation directly at Level 2 Reduction. As the main gateway to be used by delegates attending the forthcoming COP29, their accreditation will reflect on the continuous efforts of the airport industry globally to address its climate impact. Getting certified directly at Level 2 means the airport is actively engaged in driving continued Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions, contributing to the sustainable future of air transport. Well done to the entire team for this significant achievement!”, said Olivier Jankovec, Director General at ACI EUROPE.
Teymur Hasanov, the Baku airport director, emphasized the airport’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Heydar Aliyev International Airport is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and making every effort to mitigate any such impact that may occur. In line with the core principles of the ACA program, we aim to advance our environmental initiatives and achieve higher levels of carbon accreditation, thereby contributing to global sustainability goals.”
The airport’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond Level 2, with future goals aimed at achieving Level 3 carbon accreditation (Optimisation). At this stage, the airport will focus on optimizing its carbon output and actively collaborating with all stakeholders. The ACA program recognizes airports’ efforts to manage and cut carbon emissions through its seven certification levels: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Neutrality, Transformation, Transition, and Level 5.
The recognition of Heydar Aliyev International Airport as the first in Azerbaijan to achieve Level 2 (Reduction) under the ACA program underscores the country’s commitment to sustainability and sets a strong example for other airports in the region. As Baku Airport continues to advance its environmental initiatives and strive for higher levels of carbon accreditation, it contributes significantly to the global efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for aviation.
