ACI Europe updates airport sustainability strategy to widen focus beyond carbon

ACI Europe has published an updated sustainability strategy for airports. It was presented on 7 October at a joint seminar with ICAO's EUR/NAT office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The framework replaces the trade body's first version, issued in 2019.

Carbon reduction remains part of the plan, but the revised document sets out seven areas of work. Alongside energy transition, these cover adapting to a changing climate and building resilience, local environmental quality, circular use of materials, biodiversity and airside ecology, sustainable access and mobility, and engagement with surrounding communities.

ACI Europe said the change reflects how priorities have shifted since the original strategy. The body reported that 328 European airports now have public net-zero roadmaps, covering close to 83% of passenger traffic on the continent, and that 297 hold certification under its Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme. More than 100 of those certified airports are targeting net-zero status by 2030 or sooner, according to the organisation.

Director general Olivier Jankovec said airports have moved from committing to decarbonisation to delivering it, with hundreds working towards net zero and spending on cleaner energy and infrastructure. He added that longer-term competitiveness depends on a broader view: sustainability covers more than carbon alone, and airports are also infrastructure, employers and parts of the communities around them.

The body describes the strategy as a practical framework intended to help operators fold environmental, social and economic factors into their long-term business planning.