Athens International Airport - Certification in the last stage of "Airport Carbon Accreditation": Transition
Commitment to zero carbon emissions by 2025
Another important international recognition for the environmental efforts of the Athens airport, within the voluntary program for the Management & Reduction of Airport Carbon Emissions (Airport Carbon Accreditation) of the Airports International Council of Europe (ACI Europe):
Specifically, after the "Mapping" (2009), "Reduction" (2011), "Optimization" (2014) and "Carbon Neutral" (2016) stages, the AIA was certified in the last and most demanding stage "Transition" of the program, in the design of which he was a pioneer and actively supports from its inception until today.
The certification criteria
This important certification is the result of a series of actions:
The commitment to zero carbon emissions of the Airport Company, in accordance with the goal of the temperature increase not exceeding 1.5°C set by the international community.
The calculation of emissions from even more sources, such as fluorinated gases used in AIA's air conditioning facilities, machinery in construction projects, de-icing materials, etc.
Drawing up an action plan in collaboration with Third Parties with targets and measures to reduce their emissions.
After a long-term effort to reduce the energy consumption of its facilities, which includes a series of interventions in the way it operates as well as investments in new and less energy-intensive equipment, AIA has managed to dramatically reduce its own carbon footprint by 60% from 2005 to 2022.
In the "Transition" stage, AIA took a further step by committing to zero carbon emissions by 2025. This commitment is in line with AIA's commitment to a zero carbon footprint by 2025, through the road map, "Route 2025". As part of Route 2025, AIA also aims to become the first airport operator to meet 100% of its own electricity needs from renewable sources.
As early as March 2023, the new 16 MWp photovoltaic station (first phase of Route 2025) for self-consumption, which extends over an area of 210,000 m2, was added to the already operating 8 MWp photovoltaic power plant. Its production photovoltaic plant of the first phase corresponds to 45% of the electricity consumption needs of the airport company, reducing the indirect carbon dioxide emissions accordingly. With the completion of the next phase by 2025, the production of 100% of AIA's electricity needs for the next twenty years will be ensured.
In addition, AIA is proceeding with the gradual replacement of part of its vehicle fleet with electric vehicles, as well as studying the use of biofuel in heavy vehicles and equipment. Finally, the replacement of natural gas for heating, as well as for the production of hot water for daily use, with alternative heating solutions that do not cause carbon dioxide emissions is being considered.
With its certification at the "Transition" stage, Athens International Airport is ranked as one of the leading airports internationally, once again proving in practice its commitment to the fight against climate change. The certification is valid until 2026.
Alongside its important role as a driver of economic development, AIA achieves the spectacular reduction of its ecological footprint, seeking and simultaneously achieving the environmental cooperation of all the entities active in the airport community.
*It is noted that in the transition stage, together with Athens airport, there are airports such as London (Heathrow), Amsterdam (Schiphol) and Dallas (Dallas Fort Worth).
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