Reducing carbon and increasing airport sustainability
Latest News
& Press Releases
Press Release
March 24, 2026
Global carbon standard releases latest results of airport climate action worldwide
Brussels, 24 March 2026: Airports Council International has today published the annual results on carbon performance and participation trends for its...
Continue readingNews
August 11, 2026
Five Hawai‘i Department of Transportation airports now engage third parties in carbon management
With Hilo International Airport’s latest upgrade, all five airports operated by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation have now achieved Level...
Continue readingNews
July 28, 2026
Trieste Airport achieves Level 4
Trieste Airport in Italy has reached Level 4 of Airport Carbon Accreditation, reflecting its continued progress in carbon management, its...
Continue readingAccredited airports
by world region
What is Airport Carbon Accreditation?
Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. It independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through 7 levels of certification: ‘Level 1’, ‘Level 2’, ‘Level 3’, ‘Level 3+’, ‘Level 4’, ‘Level 4+’ and ‘Level 5’.
Level 1
Footprint measurement
Determine emissions sources within the operational boundary of the airport company.
Calculate the annual carbon emissions.
Compile a carbon footprint report.
Level 2
Carbon management towards a reduced carbon footprint
All of the above plus:
Provide evidence of effective carbon management procedures.
Show quantified emissions reductions.
Level 3
Third party engagement in carbon footprint reduction
All of the above plus:
Widen the scope of carbon footprint to include third party emissions.
Engage third parties at and around the airport.
Level 3+
Carbon neutrality for direct emissions by offsetting
All of the above plus:
Offset remaining emissions for all emissions over which the airport has control with high quality carbon credits.
Level 4
Transforming airport operations and those of its business partners to achieve absolute emissions reductions
Define a long-term carbon management strategy oriented towards absolute emissions reductions, aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Demonstrate evidence of actively driving third parties towards delivering emissions reductions.
Level 4+
Compensation for residual emissions with reliable offsets
All of the above plus:
Offset the residual carbon emissions over which the airport has control, using internationally recognised offsets.
Level 5
Level 5 is the topmost level in Airport Carbon Accreditation programme
Maintaining a Net Zero balance on scopes 1 and 2 and actively addressing Scope 3 emissions, strengthening approach to 3rd party engagement, offset removals for residual emissions