Edinburgh Airport has been recognised for its work to reduce absolute emissions after becoming the first airport in Scotland to achieve global carbon certification.

The airport has achieved Level 4 “Transformation” in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, one of the highest levels in the global carbon management certification program for airports.

This is the result of extensive engagement and partnerships with stakeholders, airlines and campus partners, work to map emissions across the airport’s supply chain and the publication of a new Net Zero strategy.

The ACA program is the only institutionally recognized carbon management certification program for airports worldwide, and this accreditation is further evidence of the progress the airport is making with its Greater Good sustainability strategy.

Edinburgh Airport, new control tower, December 2005, Ref CED00313d, DP

Edinburgh Airport, new control tower, December 2005, Ref CED00313d, DP

Edinburgh Airport, new control tower, December 2005, Ref CED00313d, DP

The work carried out at the airport to achieve ACA Level 4 included the publication of a Net Zero Strategy, which sets out the airport’s plans for future sustainable growth and how it can contribute to a net zero world through an absolute reduction in its direct emissions.

This included working with airlines and airport partners to understand science-based targets for emissions reduction at the airport, as well as mapping to understand and respond to (indirect) Scope 3 emissions through the airport supply chain and the carbon value of goods and services purchased;

While all data submitted as part of the process will be externally verified, plans are currently underway for the next milestone of the ACA, the transition to Level 4+, where an airport offsets its remaining carbon emissions through reliable carbon credits.

Jessica Briggs, Head of Sustainability at Edinburgh Airport, said: “This accreditation represents another important milestone in our journey to net zero emissions and builds on the important work already undertaken as part of our Greater Good sustainability strategy.

“We want to acknowledge the role our airlines, campus partners and suppliers have played and thank them for working with us to better understand the emissions generated on our campus and beyond – and how we can further reduce them.

“Work is already underway and we know that VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy will accelerate our climate transition to achieve higher levels of Airport Carbon Accreditation by reducing our direct emissions as much as possible, working up and down the value chain, while supporting carbon removal projects with environmental and social benefits.”