ACI EUROPE has launched its Sustainability Strategy for Airports 2.0, offering updated guidance for European airport operators to meet environmental, social, and governance goals. The framework addresses evolving industry standards and regulatory expectations, emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainability.
A Holistic Approach to Airport Sustainability
The new strategy, unveiled at the Joint ACI EUROPE and ICAO EUR/NAT Environmental Protection Seminar in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, builds on the 2019 version. It reflects the airport sector’s evolution and the expanding sustainability agenda, recognizing that airports must integrate sustainability across operations, investments, and long-term strategies.
While decarbonization remains central, the strategy acknowledges that long-term airport sustainability and resilience depend on a broader range of factors. These include climate adaptation, biodiversity, circular resource use, sustainable mobility, accessibility, and community engagement. This expanded focus ensures airports address not only carbon emissions but also their role as critical infrastructure and community partners.
Progress and Future Goals
Since 2019, European airports have made significant climate action progress. 328 airports have public net-zero roadmaps, covering nearly 83% of European passenger traffic. 297 airports are certified under Airport Carbon Accreditation, and over 100 aim for net zero by 2030 or earlier. This shift from commitment to delivery highlights the sector’s growing momentum toward sustainability.
ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec noted, “Decarbonisation has moved from commitment to delivery, with hundreds of airports now working towards net zero and investing in cleaner energy and infrastructure.” He emphasized that true sustainability extends beyond carbon, encompassing climate resilience, resource management, and community trust.
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The strategy’s focus has shifted from commitment to action, providing practical tools rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Airports can assess their current status, determine next steps, and integrate sustainability into daily decisions. This adaptability ensures that each airport can address its unique challenges effectively.
Key Areas and Regulatory Guidance
The strategy outlines practical actions, Key Performance Indicators, airport case studies, and regulatory guidance for seven key areas:
- Decarbonization & Energy Transition
- Climate Adaptation & Resilience
- Local Environmental Quality & Community Impacts
- Circular Economy & Resource Management
- Biodiversity, Land Use & Airside Ecology
- Sustainable Mobility & Accessibility
It also addresses governance, sustainability reporting, and anti-greenwashing, helping airports handle Europe’s evolving regulatory system. This wide-ranging approach ensures airports are equipped to meet both current and future sustainability demands.
Uzbekistan Airports’ Milestone
The seminar celebrated a significant milestone for Uzbekistan Airports, with nine airports achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation. Tashkent International Airport entered directly at Level 2, recognizing its carbon management framework and emissions reductions. This achievement shows Uzbekistan’s commitment to sustainability and its ability to embed strong carbon management practices from the outset.
The seminar, hosted in Tashkent, brought together airports, regulators, financial institutions, manufacturers, and sustainability experts to address pressing environmental challenges facing aviation.