Airports play a vital role in global connectivity and economic growth, while facing growing pressure to address aviation’s environmental impacts. ACI advocates for balanced, supportive policies that promote the long-term environmental and social sustainability of airports and the communities they serve.
In 2021, ACI World led the development of the global airport industry’s long-term carbon goal (LTCG) to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal, backed by rigorous study and industry consensus, marks a unified step forward in aviation climate action.
Though airports represent a small share of aviation emissions, they are key enablers of decarbonization. ACI World supports its members in advancing carbon management, clean energy transition, climate resilience, and environmental best practices. Through guidance, tools, and capacity building, ACI helps airports implement solutions that align with growth while protecting communities and ecosystems.
Advocating on behalf of airports
ACI World's Environment and Sustainability experts provide:
Areas of expertise covered
ACI World Environment Standing Committee
The ACI World Environment Standing Committee (WEnSC) works with experts, airports, policymakers, and industry leaders to develop environmentally responsible airport policies that reflect airport interests. Led by representatives from ACI’s five regions, the Committee ensures new policies, initiatives, and best practices are shared with airport members worldwide.
The Committee works closely with international partners, including International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) to set global standards for aircraft noise and engine emissions, and the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), the industry coalition for sustainable air transport development.
How we support the industry
Airport Decarbonization
The ACI World Long Term Carbon Goal Study established a clear pathway for airport decarbonization. Following a year of evidence-based research and industry consultation, ACI member airports worldwide committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, urging government support to reach this goal.
Airports are essential enablers of aviation decarbonization. Beyond reducing their own emissions, they work with stakeholders to advance sector-wide climate action. ACI supports this effort through collaboration with ICAO and industry partners, promoting new aircraft propulsion technologies (hydrogen and hybrid-electric) and the deployment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Airport decarbonization is a key contribution to meeting the global climate target of net zero by 2050 and to building a more sustainable aviation system.
Resources:
Environmental, Social, and Governance
The ESG Global Reporting Framework and Guidance for Airports, has been developed with and for airports to strengthen Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting across the industry — a perpetually important driver of financial resilience, stakeholder trust, and long-term sustainability.
The Framework provides practical tools to help airport operators assess, prioritize, and address ESG risks and opportunities, while working within already existing frameworks and adapting to diverse geographies, sizes, ownership structures, and regulatory environments.
Aircraft Noise Management
Through the Noise Task Force of the World Environment Standing Committee (WEnSC), ACI facilitates knowledge exchange and supports the development of regionally relevant strategies. By engaging with ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), ACI helps shape approaches to noise monitoring, community engagement, and emerging aircraft technologies.
ACI also provides resources — including white papers, case studies, and best practices — to help airports implement effective noise mitigation that supports both operations and surrounding communities.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation
To validate with them: ACI works with ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) and other international organizations to address the growing risks of climate change for airports. As extreme weather events become more frequent, airports face increasing threats such as flooding, operational disruptions, and infrastructure stress. In response, ACI members adopted a 2018 resolution promoting climate adaptation and proactive planning. ACI World supports this effort through a dedicated task force that provides guidance, tools, and knowledge-sharing to help airports integrate resilience into their operations and master plans.
Combatting Wildlife Trafficking
ACI has been working with some of its pioneering members to address how to combat wildlife trafficking, and gathered information how airports can take action in stopping this illicit trade.
Key Environment and Sustainability Resources
ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program
Launched in 2009, the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program, managed by ACI EUROPE, is the global standard for carbon management in the airport industry. The program helps airports implement best practices in carbon management, with the ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral.
APEX in Environment
The APEX in Environment Program is an on-site review conducted by a team of industry experts and focuses on how to improve environmental management.
Airport Benefits:
Identify and reduce safety gaps and vulnerabilities
Connect with a network of international experts and airport peers
Establish key performance indicators and measurement tools
Develop a risk management plan and mitigation strategies
Increase staff skills and knowledge through ACI courses and programs
Develop a comprehensive airport action plan
Maximize regulatory compliance
Airport Carbon and Emissions tool (ACERT)
ACERT is a software tool designed by airports for airports to measure their greenhouse gas emissions. This free tool produces a comprehensive inventory of emissions and provides the data required to apply for Airport Carbon Accreditation.
For more information, download the brochure.
Environment Courses
Airports play a vital role in their communities and are increasingly focused on minimizing environmental impact. While cutting greenhouse gas emissions is a major priority, it’s one of several environmental challenges the aviation sector is tackling. ACI’s training programs address key topics such as CO2 reduction, energy management, and other critical sustainability areas in airport operations.
Aircraft Ground Energy System - Simulator (AGES-S)
AGES-S is a free IT solution that analyzes the environmental and economic benefits of substituting aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) usage with ground energy systems by calculating the reduction of fuel consumption.
Environment and Sustainability Publications
Explore ACI World publications to access expert handbooks, in-depth reports and datasets, as well as comprehensive guidance. Empower your airport with global insights across all areas of the airport business, including economics, sustainability, customer experience, and operations.
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Airport Community Engagement: Guidance and Best Practices 2025 -
ESG Global Reporting Framework and Guidance for Airports -
Concept of Operations of Battery and Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft at Aerodromes
Additional resources on Environment and Sustainability
ACI World Insights
Access the latest expert opinions, global tends and data-driven insights on the ACI World Insights blog. Stay informed to make strategic decisions that drive innovation in the airport and wider aviation sector.
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Communicating Airport Sustainability: Three Ways to Do It EffectivelyIt’s no secret that global aviation industry decarbonization is a highly challenging and complex task. International air travel is growing, leading to increased emissions. Technological innovations and carbon reduction plans require time to implement and catch-up. This trade-off between what we face today and future goals can lead to ambiguity around sustainability efforts, especially if plans and initiatives are not communicated effectively. Clear and effective sustainable airport communication is essential. At iGA Istanbul Airport, we know firsthand that environmental integrity is maintained when our communication is transparent and consistent. While there are many ways for airports...Read more -
Global Gateways: How Airports Drive Economic Development and SustainabilityIn 2023 alone, airports supported nearly 100 million aircraft movements and served 8.7 billion departing and arriving passengers worldwide. That’s over 12 million travellers every day moving through a global network of 4,000+ commercial airports. This goes beyond travel—it’s about driving global transformation. This traffic creates millions of jobs: 6.5 million direct jobs at airports globally, or about half of the total jobs in the civil aviation sector 600,000 roles in airport management, maintenance and operations 5.9 million jobs on-site—within retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, and other...Read more
