BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 16. Heydar Aliyev International Airport has been awarded the Level 2 (Reduction) Certificate under the global Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program. This accreditation confirms a reduction in the airport’s carbon emissions over the past three years and highlights Baku Airport’s strategic progress towards sustainable development and minimizing its impact on climate change, TurkicWorld reports.
The ACA program, established by Airports Council International (ACI), is the only specialized program dedicated to reducing carbon emissions at airports. Having completed the initial Mapping stage, Baku Airport has achieved Level 2 (Reduction) and successfully implemented a project to modernize its lighting systems, water supply, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These measures have further reduced carbon dioxide emissions by eliminating the use of R-22 refrigerant and mercury vapor.
"It’s a proud moment to see Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the busiest airport in Azerbaijan, becoming the first in the country to join Airport Carbon Accreditation directly at Level 2 Reduction. As the main gateway to be used by delegates attending the forthcoming COP29, their accreditation will reflect on the continuous efforts of the airport industry globally to address its climate impact. Getting certified directly at Level 2 means the airport is actively engaged in driving continued Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions, contributing to the sustainable future of air transport. Well done to the entire team for this significant achievement!", said Olivier Jankovec, Director General at ACI EUROPE
"Heydar Aliyev International Airport is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and making every effort to mitigate any such impact that may occur. In line with the core principles of the ACA program, we aim to advance our environmental initiatives and achieve higher levels of carbon accreditation, thereby contributing to global sustainability goals," emphasized the Baku airport director, Teymur Hasanov.
The airport's current sustainability goals include achieving Level 3 carbon accreditation (Optimisation). This stage involves optimizing carbon emissions and active cooperation with all stakeholders.
It is worth noting that the ACA program evaluates and recognizes airports' efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions through seven levels of certification: Mapping, Reduction, Optimisation, Neutrality, Transformation, Transition and Level 5.
