Airport Carbon Accreditation

• The aviation sector is under increasing pressure to demonstrate climate leadership and reduce its environmental footprint. Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), developed by Airports Council International (ACI), is the only globally recognized carbon management certification dedicated exclusively to airports.
• We provide comprehensive consultancy support to airports aiming to obtain or advance their ACA certification—offering robust carbon footprint assessments, decarbonization strategies, stakeholder engagement, and full application support across all six ACA levels.

What is Airport Carbon Accreditation?

• The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program helps airports systematically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and align their operations with global climate targets, such as the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2050 goals.
• It offers a globally standardized framework to measure, manage, and mitigate airport emissions, including those from airport-controlled operations (Scope 1 and 2) and those influenced through third-party activities (Scope 3).

Levels of ACA Accreditation

Level 1 – Mapping

• Establish and verify Scope 1 & 2 emissions baseline.

Level 2 – Reduction

• Implement reduction strategies and demonstrate yearly emissions cuts.

Level 3 – Optimisation

• Engage stakeholders to manage Scope 3 emissions (e.g., airlines, tenants).

Level 3+ – Neutrality

• Achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting residual Scope 1 & 2 emissions.

Level 4 – Transformation

• Integrate climate risk, set science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Level 4+ – Transition

• Develop a net-zero roadmap with full Scope 3 transparency and long-term action.

Our ACA Service Offerings

1. Carbon Footprint Assessment (Scopes 1, 2 & 3)

•  We perform a detailed emissions audit using global standards to establish your airport’s GHG baseline.

2. Readiness & Gap Analysis

• We evaluate existing carbon practices and identify gaps against ACA criteria to guide your next steps.

3. Carbon Management Plan (CMP)

• We develop actionable CMPs with reduction strategies, timelines, and monitoring protocols.

4. Stakeholder Engagement (Scope 3)

• We design engagement frameworks involving airlines, tenants, ground handlers, and fuel providers.

5. Offsetting & Carbon Neutrality

• We help procure high-quality carbon offsets compliant with ACA and CORSIA for Levels 3+ and beyond.

6. Climate Risk & Net Zero Pathway

• We align your operations with Level 4/4+ requirements through climate risk analysis and decarbonization planning.

7. Application & Verification Support

• We handle documentation, liaise with verifiers, and ensure smooth submission to ACI.

Key Benefits of Airport Carbon Accreditation

• Global Recognition – Positions your airport as a leader in climate action and sustainability.
• Regulatory Alignment – Supports compliance with ICAO, UNFCCC, and SDG frameworks.
• Operational Efficiency – Unlocks cost savings through energy and emissions optimization.
• Enhanced Credibility – Builds trust with airlines, passengers, investors, and regulators.
• Strategic Advantage – Strengthens your market position among eco-conscious stakeholders.

• Credibility & Recognition

Accreditation under the Airports Council International ACA program provides independently verified carbon performance, enhancing airport reputation.

• Regulatory & ESG Alignment

Supports compliance with climate regulations, ESG frameworks, and aviation decarbonization initiatives.

• Cost Efficiency

Energy optimization, renewable integration, and electrification reduce long-term operational expenses.

• Competitive Advantage

Strengthens attractiveness to airlines, investors, and passengers prioritizing sustainable infrastructure.

• Structured Carbon Management

Establishes a clear framework for emission measurement, reduction targets, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Collaboration

Facilitates engagement with airlines, tenants, and ground handlers to address Scope 3 emissions.

• Green Financing Access

Improves eligibility for green bonds and sustainability-linked funding opportunities.

• 1. Readiness Assessment & Planning

We conduct a gap analysis against ACA requirements, define the operational boundary, identify emission sources (Scope 1, 2 & relevant Scope 3), and prepare a clear certification roadmap with timelines.

• 2. GHG Inventory Development

We collect and validate operational data including fuel, electricity, fleet, refrigerants, waste, and activity data. A comprehensive carbon footprint is prepared with baseline year identification and intensity metrics.
Output: Verified GHG Inventory Report.

• 3. Carbon Management Plan (CMP)

Based on the inventory, we develop a practical reduction strategy covering renewable energy integration, energy efficiency upgrades, electrification of ground equipment, and monitoring mechanisms. For higher levels, we include net-zero transition planning.
Output: Structured Carbon Management & Reduction Roadmap.

• 4. Stakeholder Engagement (Advanced Levels)

We support collaboration with airlines, ground handlers, and tenants to address Scope 3 emissions and strengthen sustainability performance.

• 5. Verification & Accreditation

We coordinate with ACI-approved independent verifiers, finalize documentation, and manage submission through the ACA portal to secure accreditation.

• 6. Ongoing Monitoring & Level Advancement

Post-certification, we assist with annual emission tracking, re-verification, and progression toward carbon neutrality and net-zero targets.
 

A. Organizational Documentation

• Airport ownership & operational boundary details
• Organizational structure chart
• Sustainability / ESG policy
• Environmental compliance records

B. Data & Technical Documentation

• Energy consumption data (Electricity, HSD, ATF for owned assets)
• Utility bills (12 months minimum)
• DG & fuel logs
• Refrigerant inventory
• Vehicle fleet details
• Waste management records
• Passenger & aircraft movement data

C. Carbon Management Documents

• GHG Inventory Report
• Emission Calculation Workbook
• Carbon Management Plan (CMP)
• Reduction target statement
• Stakeholder engagement evidence

D. Verification Documents

• Third-party assurance statement
• Management representation letter
• Corrective action records

We provide a complete end-to-end accreditation package including:
1. GHG Inventory Report

• Comprehensive carbon footprint report aligned with ACA and international standards.

2. Carbon Management Plan (CMP)

• Structured plan including reduction targets, monitoring system, and improvement roadmap.

3. Emission Calculation Tool

• Custom Excel-based emission calculator with built-in emission factors and reporting dashboard.

4. ACA Application Dossier

• Fully compiled documentation package ready for submission.

5. Stakeholder Engagement Framework

• Detailed plan to integrate third-party emission reduction initiatives.

6. Net-Zero Roadmap (For Level 4 & 4+)

• Science-based pathway toward long-term decarbonization.

7. Post-Certification Monitoring Support

• Annual data review
• Re-verification assistance
• Continuous improvement advisory