Bigger and better

The growth and development of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was one of the sustainable aviation highlights of 2023, writes WSP’s Dr Catherine Wilson.

There is no time to waste when it comes to protecting the environment, especially as at the close of 2023 there will be just seven years left to meet the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) goal of halving global carbon emissions by 2030.

No sector is left unturned, including aviation. In 2022, ICAO set a collective Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) for aviation to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. That’s just 27 years for the sector to reduce its complex and hard-to-abate 2%-3% global emissions.

There is much to be done, so with every year counting, the time is probably right to look back at some of the key 2023 developments to decarbonise aviation.

Impactful sector initiatives

The growing uptake of sector-wide tools in 2023, such as the institutionally endorsed Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme have resulted in scaled up decarbonisation impact at sector level.

From 17 certified airports at the programme’s launch in 2009 to over 500 global certified airports May 30, 2023, this was a key milestone for the airport sector (550 airports by December 2023).

December 6, 2023, also saw another milestone for Airport Carbon Accreditation, with the launch of its top-most Level 5 certification level. Described by Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI EUROPE as a “pivotal shift”, Level 5 requires airports to demonstrate net zero carbon balance for control emissions (Scope 1 and 2) with a plan to meet Net Zero for guide and influence emissions (Scope 3).

Ten airports have achieved Level 5:

• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport;

• Beja Airport;

• Christchurch International Airport;

• Eindhoven Airport.

• Göteborg Landvetter Airport;

• Madeira Airport;

• Malmö Airport;

• Ponta Delgada Airport;

• Rotterdam the Hague Airport; and

• Toulon-Hyères Airport;

A collaborative approach across the aviation sector ecosystem is increasingly going to be needed to drive the change required to meet ICAO’s ambitious 2050 goals. While Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), electrification and hydrogen planes hold great hope for the future of sustainable aviation, these innovations require substantial investment, scaling up and will take decades to fully implement. This year, however, saw many note-worthy developments.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are a potential solution for long-haul trips; with carbon savings of 70%-80%. November 28, 2023, saw Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce partner on the first commercial transatlantic flight flying on 100% SAF; demonstrating SAF as a suitable drop-in fossil-fuel replacement using current engines.

November also saw a new ICAO goal to reduce carbon emissions from aviation by 5% by 2030 through the use of SAF. This year also saw the UK’s first ever direct air capture plant to make SAF.

Disruptive aircraft technologies

Electric and hydrogen power saw a number of successful small-scale demonstrations in 2023. On electric, which is seen as a suitable short-haul option, Joby Aviation and Volocopter tested its electrical air taxi flight in New York City in November; aiming to launch an electric air taxi service by 2025.

Hybrid-electric planes are seen as a serious option for longer trips. On December 10, Ampaire’s hybrid-electric demonstrator plane flew for 12 hours; the company is aiming to launch a fully electric 9-seat aircraft service by 2026.

Hydrogen has challenges around it needing to be in liquid form, cooled and its volume means that aircraft need to be redesigned for larger tanks. November saw Entrepreneur, Dale Vince contract with ZeroAvia for 70 of its ZA600 hydrogen-electric engines; aiming to become the first electric airline from 2025.

Looking back – looking forward

The sector’s decarbonisation efforts have had much bad press. For sure, deeper sector commitments and actions are needed, at speed and scale, across the aviation ecosystem. This 2023 review, however, highlights many good developments on the sector’s journey to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Carbon is the enemy, however, not travel. Travel and tourism bring benefits, such as poverty alleviation in poor countries. Aviation faces huge challenges to decarbonise, but the opportunity is there for the sector to lead through collaboration, influence and innovation – and prove it can be done!

Level 5 Requirements

• Achieve and maintain ≥ 90% absolute CO₂ emissions reductions (a Net Zero balance) in Scope 1 and Scope 2 i.e. direct and indirect emissions under the airports control; in alignment with ISO Net Zero Guideline IWA 42:2022;

• Strategic commitment to extend mapping, monitoring, reporting and influencing Net Zero for all other indirect emissions outside the airports control (Scope 3) by 2050 or sooner;

• Apply credible carbon removals for the residual emissions;

• Submit a verified carbon footprint for Scope 1 and 2 emissions and all relevant categories of Scope 3 emissions as per requirements of the GHG Protocol Scope 3 Guidance;

• Develop a Carbon Management Plan (CMP) outlining the steps to achieve emissions targets;

• Develop a milestone-driven Stakeholder Partnership Plan to achieve Net Zero for Scope 3 emissions by engaging with the value chain and actively drive third parties at the airport towards delivering emissions reductions in line with their sectors Net Zero Frameworks and commitments.

Pioneering Eindhoven Airport

Q&A with Gaby Mols, corporate affairs manager at Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands.

How did Eindhoven start its carbon journey to reach where you are today?

The 2009 launch of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme really helped Eindhoven Airport with a framework for our decarbonisation journey, starting at Level 1.

We deepened our airport’s carbon journey as we achieved the different levels of accreditation, starting with mapping our carbon footprint. With that data, we were able to know where and how we could best reduce carbon at our airport, which helped develop and implement our annually reviewed ‘Planet Roadmap’ across our entire organisation for Scopes 1, 2 and 3.

How is Eindhoven addressing Scope 3 emissions in relation to Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 5 requirements?

We have actively been working together with our airport partners since 2012, with regular meetings on joint goals. We have a new strategy to reduce 30% carbon emissions from air traffic at Eindhoven airport by 2030, compared to 2019. For example, Eindhoven Airport encourages airlines to fly from or to Eindhoven with quiet and clean aircrafts that emit less noise and emissions by applying a lower airport charge.

From 2030, we will only allow these kinds of latest-generation aircrafts at our airport. We will also cap the number of flights at Eindhoven at 40,500 per year in 2026 and 2027 to reduce overall Scope 3 emissions, as well as banning fossil-fuel private flights from 1 January 2026. In 2024, we will implement a new SAF incentive to help drive its uptake by means of a financial incentive if airlines mix more than 20% of the Kerosene refuelled at our airport with SAF.

What three tips would you give an airport considering Level 5 Airport Carbon Accreditation certification?

My first tip: you cannot do it alone! Work together with all your partners and stakeholders and let everyone take ownership of all the necessary reduction measurements and activities. Second, it is not easy! Take your time compiling your Scope 3 data and strengthening your partnerships to set ambitious goals.

Seek a consultant with experience in carbon management within the aviation sector if you need support. My third tip: put your heart and soul into it – and go for it! We are mighty proud of our Level 5 certification level. It will be worth it!

About the author

Dr Catherine Wilson is WSP’s global programme lead for ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.