What is ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation?
ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation is a global program of Airports Council International that independently assesses and recognizes airports' efforts to manage and reduce their carbon emissions. Airports progress through levels, from mapping their footprint to reducing emissions, engaging partners and reaching more advanced stages of decarbonization.
What it is
The program began in Europe and expanded worldwide. Each level has requirements that an independent verifier checks, and airports must renew their accreditation.
The first level requires an airport to map its carbon footprint for emissions under its control. Higher levels add reduction targets, evidence of reductions, engagement of third parties such as airlines and ground handlers, and more ambitious goals.
Because energy use in terminals, airfield lighting and central plant is a major source of an airport's own emissions, measured energy data is central to the footprint.
Who it applies to
Airports of all sizes that choose to participate. It is voluntary. Check the program's current guidance for the levels and their requirements.
Environment and sustainability teams usually lead, working with energy, facilities and operations staff.
How it is measured
Footprints follow greenhouse gas accounting methods and need verified activity data. Large airports often have many tenants and systems on shared meters, so separating the airport operator's own energy from tenant use is an important step.
- Electricity and fuel use by terminal and system
- Emission factors for each energy source
- Reduction measures and their effect
- Independent verification records
How Aqueduct helps
Aqueduct supplies measured energy inputs for the airport's carbon footprint, with verified reductions.
- aQ EnergySmart metering across terminals, plant and airfield systems
- Weather-normalized baselines to separate reductions from weather
- HVAC and lighting faults found and fixed across large terminals
- aQ Assurance exports for the footprint and verifier