How Airports Are Reducing Emissions and Who Verifies Their Progress
Sector-specific programmes such as Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) translate general emissions reporting standards into practical rules for individual industries. They help airports measure their carbon footprints more accurately, track progress and systematically reduce emissions. How does the programme work, and how are Václav Havel Airport Prague and other European airports involved?
Greenhouse gas emissions reporting, commonly known as GHG reporting, is based on international standards, primarily the GHG Protocol. While these standards provide a common methodological framework for organisations across different sectors, applying them requires a range of decisions tailored to specific operations. Sector-specific rules therefore help harmonise approaches and improve the comparability of results.
Airports are a good example. For 17 years, they have had access to the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, launched by ACI EUROPE in June 2009. What began as a European initiative has gradually evolved into a global programme, now encompassing more than 650 accredited airports.
One of its key advantages is that it translates the GHG Protocol and the principles of ISO 14064 into specific rules for airports. ACA defines emission sources and requirements for calculating and reporting emissions in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). It also clarifies how emissions should be classified under Scope 1 and Scope 2, as well as when and how Scope 3 emissions should be included, depending on the level of accreditation. This makes it easier to track and assess progress.
The credibility of the programme rests primarily on independent verification. An approved verifier checks the carbon footprint and, depending on the accreditation level, also reviews emissions management plans and stakeholder engagement. The verification results provide the basis for deciding whether an airport can be awarded accreditation.
I, Viktor Třebický, have been an approved ACA verifier since 2014. This enables us at CI3 to provide airports around the world with independent verification of their emissions inventories and compliance with other programme requirements. This year, the requirements for verifiers were updated, making a new examination mandatory. Having successfully passed the exam and renewed our approval, we can continue providing these services.
ACA connects emissions measurement with a gradual pathway towards decarbonisation. Its seven levels guide airports from mapping their carbon footprints through demonstrable emissions reductions and collaboration with stakeholders to the highest level, Level 5. This requires achieving net zero emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2, as well as committing to achieve net zero in Scope 3 by 2050 at the latest.
One of our clients is Prague Airport, the operator of Václav Havel Airport Prague. It currently holds Level 3 accreditation, which includes engaging stakeholders in emissions reduction efforts. For the past year, the airport reported a 69% reduction in its operator emissions compared with 2009. Measures contributing to this progress include energy-efficient lighting, more efficient heating and cooling systems, the use of renewable electricity, photovoltaic installations and vehicle electrification.
Another client is Warsaw Chopin Airport, which currently holds the entry-level Level 1 accreditation, focused on mapping its carbon footprint. Its measures include investments in photovoltaic installations and LED lighting, as well as optimising heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. A robust emissions inventory provides the foundation for further progress within the programme.
In our experience, ACA encourages effective collaboration and healthy competition between airports. This translates into real, measurable reductions in the emissions they are responsible for, rather than just greenwashing. (Nothing against recycling bins, of course! :)