Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has earned an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ from the Airports Council International’s (ACI’s) Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

The program provides a unique common framework and tools for active carbon management at airports, covering operational activities that contribute most to carbon emissions.

In 2011, AUH was the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa region to be ACI Airport Carbon Accredited in the “mapping” level, and the achievement of an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ recognises Abu Dhabi Airports’ continued commitment to helping fight climate change through the management of its carbon dioxide emissions.

This year, having fulfilled the requirements of the ‘mapping’ accreditation level during the previous six years, Abu Dhabi Airports initiated its seventh application to the program by providing evidence of its effective carbon management procedures, target setting, and by demonstrating that a reduction in Abu Dhabi International Airport’s carbon emissions had occurred through an analysis of consecutive years of emissions data.

Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We are proud to be a leading airport operator in the region and to be doing our part in addressing aviation’s impact on climate change. The achievement of an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ is a milestone for us and recognises our commitment and success in applying comprehensive carbon management in the capital’s airport.”

“Environmental responsibility is something we take very seriously at Abu Dhabi Airports, as we work to develop a sustainable future for aviation and effectively manage the environmental impacts of our operations across our five airports in the emirate of Abu Dhabi,” said Al Khoori.

Patti Chau, regional director of ACI Asia-Pacific, said: “I wish to congratulate Abu Dhabi International Airport on the accreditation. The accreditation is a demonstration of the airport’s commitment in operating the airport in an environmentally, sustainable manner which is crucial for the long-term development of our industry. We look forward to working closely with the airport in their journey towards carbon neutrality."

In April 2018, Abu Dhabi International Airport became the first airport in the UAE to be awarded the Gold Certificate Recognition 2018 by ACI in the airport category between 15 million to 25 million passengers per year, for its engagement and efficiency in green initiatives, and for displaying consistent commitment towards energy conservation.

Prior to that, in 2017, Abu Dhabi International Airport became the first in the Middle East to sign up to a global initiative to promote sustainability in the aviation industry. The Airports Sustainability Declaration ties in with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, COP21 and the ICAO convention on reducing aviation emissions. - TradeArabia News Service