Airport Carbon Accreditation - Latest Updates!

Airport Carbon Accreditation Reaches New Heights with 500 Participating Airports Worldwide, Driving Decarbonization in Aviation

According to Airport Council International (ACI) Europe, the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), the leading carbon management certification standard for airports, has achieved a remarkable milestone with over 500 participating airports worldwide. This accomplishment signifies considerable progress towards decarbonizing the aviation industry. The ACA program, comprised of six accreditation levels, independently evaluates and acknowledges airports' efforts to effectively manage and reduce their carbon emissions. The fact that 500 airports have obtained certification demonstrates the program's enduring strength and its ability to drive tangible and performance-oriented climate action within the airport sector. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the industry's advancement towards its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Between 2014 and 2023, VERIFAVIA, as an approved verifier, has successfully verified the carbon footprints of more than 130 airports globally, totaling 375 carbon footprint verifications. This accounts for nearly 30% of all accredited airports!
 

Airports verified by Verifavia in the world

Introducing the Updated Airport Carbon Accreditation Application Manual: Issue 13

The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program continues to evolve with the release of the second edition of Issue 13 of the ACA Application Manual. This updated version supersedes the previous edition, incorporating vital changes and additional information. Effective immediately, the second issue of the Manual should be utilized for all new applications, including those airports that have not yet formally applied.

Let us explore the key updates and improvements featured in Issue 13 of the Application Manual.

Updates on Scope 1 Reporting requirements

In the newly released second edition of Issue 13 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Application Manual, there are notable updates to the Scope 1 reporting requirements. These updates specifically pertain to Levels 1 to 3+ and address process emissions. 
The revised reporting requirements now include additional elements that airports must consider when calculating their carbon footprint. Specifically, airports are now obligated to include emissions from refrigerant losses originating from air conditioning units and fugitive emissions resulting from de-icing products. 

It is important to note that these updated requirements apply to new program entrants, meaning that any airport submitting applications for the first time will need to adhere to these guidelines. For airports that have already achieved accreditation, they must implement the new reporting requirements during their next accreditation cycle.

Biofuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Requirements

To reflect the latest advancements in sustainable aviation, Issue 13 incorporates updates to the biofuel requirements. This ensures that airports stay up to date with the evolving industry standards and are well-informed on the usage and implementation of biofuels.
Additionally, the Manual now provides guidelines for the utilization of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) for Scope 3 business travel by air. This recognizes the importance of addressing indirect emissions from airport-related activities and offers airports other ways of reducing their overall carbon footprint. 
 
Streamlined Review Process and Enhanced Resources

The new edition introduces revised timescales for the review process after an application has been submitted to ACA Online. The administrator will get back to the airport within 15 days of payment and submission of the verified application. This adjustment ensures a smoother and more efficient evaluation of applications, minimizing delays and providing airports with prompt feedback on their sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, the Manual includes an updated website link to the latest version of the Airport Carbon and Emissions Reporting Tool (ACERT), enabling airports to access this valuable resource effortlessly. ACERT plays a crucial role in helping airports accurately measure and report their carbon emissions, aiding in their pursuit of carbon reduction targets.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the ACA Application Accreditation Process

Recognizing the need for a clear and user-friendly application process, the second edition of Issue 13 includes a detailed step-by-step guide to the ACA Application Accreditation Process. 
With the release of Issue 13 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Application Manual, airports now have access to an enhanced and comprehensive guide for their sustainability endeavors. By utilizing this updated version, airport operators can align their practices with the latest industry requirements, leverage new tools and resources, and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.

Click Here to download the manual
 
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