Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), representing commercial airports across the U.S. and Canada, is celebrating a significant milestone: a decade of participation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. This program, launched in 2014, recognizes airports’ commitment to environmental responsibility by acknowledging their efforts in managing and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This commitment is validated through independent assessment and verification processes.
During the 2024 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition, nearly 90 North American airports that have achieved accreditation were commended for their accomplishments. ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke aptly summarized the program’s importance: “Airport sustainability is more important than ever as we work to reduce our environmental impact while still maintaining exceptional service and operations.” He further emphasized the progress made, stating, “Now celebrating 10 years of action in reducing the airport industry’s carbon footprint, we are delighted to recognize the hard work of nearly 90 North American airports that have joined, renewed, or upgraded their Airport Carbon Accreditation this year. Their efforts help set our industry on a path towards further sustainability and to eventually achieve our goal of carbon neutral.”
The program, a joint initiative between ACI-NA and ACI-Europe under a Memorandum of Understanding, has seen remarkable success. In the past 10 years, nearly 90 airports in North America have attained accreditation, representing a coverage of over 60% of the region’s traveling public who now pass through accredited airports. This signifies a major shift in the airport industry’s approach to sustainability.
Airports participating in the program have demonstrated their commitment to reducing emissions through various strategies, including investing in energy-efficient heating and lighting technologies, transitioning to electric, hybrid, or gas-powered vehicles, offering incentives for public transportation, and actively engaging with stakeholders to further minimize emissions.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation program offers a comprehensive framework for active carbon management, providing measurable results through six progressive levels: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Neutrality, Transformation, and Transition.
At the initial ‘Mapping’ level, airports meticulously identify emissions sources within their operational boundaries and compile annual carbon footprint reports, which are independently verified by third parties. Since October 2023, nine airports have joined the program at Level 1, including Aéroport Métropolitain de Montréal, Albuquerque International Sunport, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Additionally, 15 airports, such as Boston Logan International Airport and Calgary International Airport, have renewed their accreditation at this level.
Progressing to the ‘Reduction’ level, airports are required to demonstrate effective carbon management practices and achieve set reduction targets. New participants at Level 2 include Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Jackson Hole Airport, and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. Six airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport, have upgraded to this level, while 14 airports, such as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Honolulu International Airport, have renewed their Level 2 accreditation.
At the ‘Optimization’ level, airports expand their carbon footprint calculations to include third-party emissions and actively engage these parties in emission reduction efforts. Since October 2023, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport have upgraded to Level 3, with 11 other airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport, renewing their accreditation.
The ‘Neutrality’ level (Level 3+) necessitates airports to offset their remaining carbon emissions that cannot be reduced through other means. At the ‘Transformation’ level (Level 4), airports must commit to reducing absolute emissions. Since October 2023, Dallas Love Field has upgraded to Level 4. Finally, at the ‘Transition’ level (Level 4+), airports must offset any remaining carbon emissions. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport renewed its Level 4+ accreditation in October 2023.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation program serves as a vital instrument in guiding the airport industry toward a more sustainable future. By providing a standardized framework for measuring and reducing carbon emissions, the program fosters a collaborative environment where airports can share best practices, drive innovation, and ultimately contribute to a greener aviation sector. The program’s success over the past decade is a testament to the commitment of airports across North America to environmental responsibility and demonstrates the tangible progress being made toward achieving a carbon-neutral future for the aviation industry.
