Edinburgh Airport has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by becoming the first airport in Scotland to achieve global carbon accreditation. The airport has earned Level 4 ‘Transformation’ within the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, one of the highest distinctions in the global carbon management certification for airports.
This accomplishment is a testament to the airport’s unwavering commitment to its ‘Greater Good’ sustainability strategy, which emphasizes reducing its environmental impact. The journey to Level 4 involved extensive collaboration with key stakeholders, including airlines, campus partners, and suppliers. Edinburgh Airport meticulously mapped its emissions across its entire supply chain, developing a comprehensive Net Zero strategy that outlines its roadmap to a more sustainable future.
The ACA program, recognized globally as the leading standard for carbon management in the airport sector, underscores Edinburgh Airport’s dedication to environmental responsibility. The airport’s achievement is a result of rigorous efforts, including data verification by independent auditors. Looking ahead, Edinburgh Airport is focused on achieving the next milestone, ACA Level 4+ Transition, which involves offsetting remaining carbon emissions through verified carbon credits.
Edinburgh Airport is now part of the VINCI Airports network, a leading private airport operator globally and a key contributor to the Airport Carbon Accreditation initiative. VINCI Airports, with its portfolio of over 70 airports worldwide, has set an ambitious goal of reaching net zero emissions across its European and UK airports by 2030. Four of its airports – Toulon Hyères in France and Beja, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada in Portugal – have already achieved Level 5, signifying net zero emissions.
Jessica Briggs, Head of Sustainability at Edinburgh Airport, expressed her pride in this accomplishment, stating, “This accreditation marks another major milestone as we progress towards Net Zero emissions and build upon the important work already done through our Greater Good sustainability strategy.” She acknowledged the crucial role of airlines, campus partners, and suppliers in this journey, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in understanding emissions generated across the airport’s campus and beyond. Briggs further highlighted Edinburgh Airport’s commitment to the transition to a more sustainable future, stating, “Work is already underway and we know that VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy will accelerate our climate transition to achieve higher levels of the Airport Carbon Accreditation by reducing as much as possible our direct emissions, working on the value chain and beyond, whilst supporting carbon removal projects with environmental and social benefits.”
