Air transport has a high environmental impact, and civil aviation generates millions of tonnes of CO2 every year with serious consequences for the climate. Although the words "aircraft" and "sustainability" are still antithetical, airports are making commitments to reduce their ecological footprint and cut emissions. This is what emerged from the annual report of the Airports Council International's Carbon Accreditation, a body founded in 2009 that brings together airports working to neutralise their impact.

The number of responsible airports is growing

According to the report, great strides have been made since 2016. The most positive figure relates to the facilities that have joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation, a programme that analyses and accredits airports' efforts to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through four levels of certification. The number of participating airports has increased by 21 per cent compared to last year, rising from 156 to 189, thereby covering almost 40 per cent of global scheduled flight traffic. "This means that more than 2.8 billion passengers now use airports certified by the programme," explained Angela Gittens, Director General of Airports Council International.

How airports' impact is assessed

The Airport Carbon Accreditation, as mentioned, provides for four levels of certification: mapping, reduction, optimisation and neutrality. It assesses each airport's commitment and the actions taken to cut emissions, and classifies them accordingly. The first level of certification is achieved when the airport is mapping its emissions and developing a plan to manage them, while the most advanced certification attests that the facility is using every resource available to reduce its environmental impact.

The role of airports in reducing emissions

Airports can support airlines that are working to reduce polluting emissions. "Airports that offer benefits to airlines, such as reduced landing fees if they use biofuels, can help steer the industry in the right direction," said Phillipe Lacamp of Chinese airline Cathay Pacific Limited.

The commitment of US airports

Despite the fact that United States president Donald Trump never misses an opportunity to deny the existence of climate change and has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, American airports are making commitments to cut climate-altering emissions. Six new airports have been certified, and Dallas Fort Worth has become the first American airport to achieve carbon neutral status.

Positive responses from Africa

Also worth noting is the remarkable participation of African airports, which rose from three accredited in 2016 to the current ten, capable of supporting 28 per cent of air traffic across the entire continent.