ACI recently launched the new Level 5 in its Airport Carbon Accreditation programme at the COP28 that certifies airports for reaching NetZero and extends mapping, influencing and reporting requirements for all other emissions. 10 frontrunner airports already certified at the new Level 5.

Global body Airports Council International (ACI) launched the new topmost level of achievement in its global Airport Carbon Accreditation programme at the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP28).

In a press statement ACI says that the new accreditation Level 5 is the programme’s latest and ‘most ambitious yet development’ which certifies airports for reaching and maintaining a NetZero carbon balance for emissions under their control, classified as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. It also extends mapping, influencing and reporting requirements for all other emissions, classified as Scope 3 emissions.

ACI says the introduction of Level 5 builds on the trajectory of evolution set by the introduction of Levels 4 and 4+ in 2020. These earlier levels already certify airports for following a CO2 emissions reduction pathway aligned with the objective of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming by 1.5°C or below 2°C.

According to ACI, Level 5 stands as the ‘ultimate achievement’ in airport carbon management, based on the requirement of extensive carbon reduction in absolute terms:

Extensive carbon reduction in absolute terms

To achieve Level 5, airports need to reach and maintain more than 90 pc absolute CO2 emissions reductions in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, in alignment with the ISO NetZero Guidelines and commit to achieving NetZero in Scope 3 emissions by 2050 or sooner.

Investment in carbon removal

Any residual emissions need to be removed from the atmosphere through investment in credible carbon removal projects. 

Establishment of a Carbon Management Plan

Level 5 accredited airports need to outline detailed steps to achieve their emissions reduction targets, as part of their Carbon Management Plan.

Extended carbon footprint

ACI says that airports need to submit a verified carbon footprint for Scope 1 and 2 emissions that declares direct and indirect emissions under the airport’s control, and all relevant categories of Scope 3 emissions that declares indirect emissions outside of the airport’s control, as per the requirements of the GHG Protocol Scope 3 Guidance. 

Notably, it must cover all significant upstream and downstream activities from third parties, including airlines. Following successful accreditation, Level 5 airports will need to submit their verified carbon footprint calculations annually.

Establishment of a Stakeholder Partnership Plan

Underpinning airports’ commitment to NetZero in Scope 3, emissions Level 5 accreditation requires the setup of a Stakeholder Partnership Plan. That involves engaging with the entire airport ecosystem at a much deeper level and actively driving third parties towards delivering emissions reductions themselves. The Plan needs to include regular milestones to gauge progress towards reaching NetZero across the airport site.

ACI says it will keep the requirements of Level 5 under regular review based on the latest science to ensure their continued robustness.

“Since its launch back in 2009, Airport Carbon Accreditation has become the global standard for carbon management at airports, with 557 airports certified across 5 continents to date. While the programme’s requirements and structure have evolved overtime to reflect both science and societal expectations, the launch of Level 5 today marks a pivotal shift. The establishment of a reference framework for airports achieving and maintaining a net-zero carbon balance for emissions under their control reflects the fact that airports are starting to deliver on their net zero commitments. Crucially, Level 5 also pushes airports to extend their focus beyond those direct CO2 emissions, by following a comprehensive approach in measuring their Scope 3 emissions and influencing their reduction towards net zero by 2050,” says Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe.

The pioneers of Level 5

ACI adds in its press statement that at the official COP28 side-event, it was announced that ten airports have already secured Level 5 accreditation as part of the pilot programme that took place in 2023, testing the feasibility and rigorousness of the new framework. The global pioneers included:

1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Eindhoven and Rotterdam- The Hague airports in the Netherlands, operated by the Royal Schiphol Group.
2. Beja, Madeira and Ponta Delgada airports in Portugal, operated by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, a subsidiary of Vinci Airports.
3. Christchurch Airport in New Zealand, operated by Christchurch International Airport Ltd.
4. Göteborg Landvetter and Malmö airports in Sweden, operated by Swedavia.
5. Toulon-Hyères airport in France, operated by Vinci Airports.

“COP28 is an opportunity for nations to come together and take stock of the progress made globally to reach the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement. While governments focus on national approaches, there is much to celebrate and commend in the realm of voluntary climate action. I commend airports for their leadership in carbon management, notably by aligning their global carbon standard Airport Carbon Accreditation with the goals set forth by the Paris Agreement, and advancing in step with the rising level of ambition and deeper understanding of the climate science. Achieving the profound transformation needed for sustainable development and global temperature stabilisation requires commitments and participation from all sectors and levels of society. My congratulations go out to all ten pioneers of Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation standard who are demonstrating leadership to advance immediate climate action,” says Conor Barry, Manager of Engagement and Climate Action, UNFCCC.