Reducing carbon and increasing airport sustainability
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News
October 13, 2026
Paris-Orly Airport reaches Level 5 of Airport Carbon Accreditation, achieving net zero for its own emissions five years ahead of schedule
Paris-Orly Airport in France, operated by Groupe ADP, has reached Level 5, the highest level of Airport Carbon Accreditation, marking...
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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...
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October 15, 2026
Natal Airport joins Airport Carbon Accreditation, aligning its carbon management strategy with global climate goals
Natal International Airport in Brazil has joined Airport Carbon Accreditation directly at Level 4, aligning its carbon management strategy with...
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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