Airport Carbon Accreditation
- The aviation sector is under increasing pressure to demonstrate climate leadership and reduce its environmental footprint. Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), developed by Airports Council International (ACI), is the only globally recognized carbon management certification dedicated exclusively to airports.
- We provide comprehensive consultancy support to airports aiming to obtain or advance their ACA certification—offering robust carbon footprint assessments, decarbonization strategies, stakeholder engagement, and full application support across all six ACA levels.
What is Airport Carbon Accreditation?
- The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program helps airports systematically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and align their operations with global climate targets, such as the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2050 goals.
- It offers a globally standardized framework to measure, manage, and mitigate airport emissions, including those from airport-controlled operations (Scope 1 and 2) and those influenced through third-party activities (Scope 3).
Levels of ACA Accreditation
Level 1 – Mapping
- Establish and verify Scope 1 & 2 emissions baseline.
Level 2 – Reduction
- Implement reduction strategies and demonstrate yearly emissions cuts.
Level 3 – Optimisation
- Engage stakeholders to manage Scope 3 emissions (e.g., airlines, tenants).
Level 3+ – Neutrality
- Achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting residual Scope 1 & 2 emissions.
Level 4 – Transformation
- Integrate climate risk, set science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement.
Level 4+ – Transition
- Develop a net-zero roadmap with full Scope 3 transparency and long-term action.
Our ACA Service Offerings
1. Carbon Footprint Assessment (Scopes 1, 2 & 3)
- We perform a detailed emissions audit using global standards to establish your airport’s GHG baseline.
2. Readiness & Gap Analysis
- We evaluate existing carbon practices and identify gaps against ACA criteria to guide your next steps.
3. Carbon Management Plan (CMP)
- We develop actionable CMPs with reduction strategies, timelines, and monitoring protocols.
4. Stakeholder Engagement (Scope 3)
- We design engagement frameworks involving airlines, tenants, ground handlers, and fuel providers.
5. Offsetting & Carbon Neutrality
- We help procure high-quality carbon offsets compliant with ACA and CORSIA for Levels 3+ and beyond.
6. Climate Risk & Net Zero Pathway
- We align your operations with Level 4/4+ requirements through climate risk analysis and decarbonization planning.
7. Application & Verification Support
- We handle documentation, liaise with verifiers, and ensure smooth submission to ACI.
Key Benefits of Airport Carbon Accreditation
- Global Recognition – Positions your airport as a leader in climate action and sustainability.
- Regulatory Alignment – Supports compliance with ICAO, UNFCCC, and SDG frameworks.
- Operational Efficiency – Unlocks cost savings through energy and emissions optimization.
- Enhanced Credibility – Builds trust with airlines, passengers, investors, and regulators.
- Strategic Advantage – Strengthens your market position among eco-conscious stakeholders.