Airports worldwide contribute to the growth, prosperity, and sustainability of the communities they serve. To address the increasing challenge of climate change and reduce the environmental impacts of the aviation community, ACI World and its members are committed to implementing ambitious and innovative solutions.  

We encourage our members to invest in their long-term capacity by adopting clean technologies, reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and exploring new market opportunities. 

A flight taken today produces half the CO2 that the same flight would have produced in 1990 due to the industry’s long-term efforts to reduce its climate impact. While airports contribute to only a small fraction of industry emissions, they continue to prioritize decarbonizing. To assist them, ACI completed the ACI World Long Term Carbon Goal Study, the result of a year long research and consultation period, underpinned by an extensive analytical and evidence-based research. The study led to the creation of an ambitious, long-term carbon goal for the global airport sector.

To help airports implement climate solutions that protect the natural resources of the communities they belong to while ensuring the growth and sustainability of airports globally, ACI world provides comprehensive tools and expertise. 

ACI World’s Environment Experts Provide
The latest policy briefs and data-driven recommendations
Environment-focused courses and training programs
Resources through ACI’s publications library
Expert insights through the ACI World blog
In-person and online events and learning opportunities

ACI World Environment Standing Committee

The ACI World Environment Standing Committee 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 ICAO’s 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.  

Focus Areas
Decarbonization strategy
Cleaner Energy Sources
SAF Support
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
ESG and Finance
Sustainable Growth messaging
Biodiversity & conservation and Nature Based Solutions
Aircraft Noise and Stakeholder Engagement
Waste and Circularity

Environment Tools

Airport Carbon and Emissions Reporting 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.

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 Initiatives

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.

The ACI World Long Term Carbon Goal Study is the result of a year long research and consultation period, underpinned by an extensive analytical and evidence-based research. The study led to the creation of an ambitious, long-term carbon goal for the global airport sector:

ACI member airports at a global level commit to reach net zero carbon emission by 2050 and urge governments to provide the necessary support in this endeavor.

Climate Change is a global challenge requiring further and urgent global response given the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) call to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 - the long-term carbon goal will be a crucial component of the aviation industry’s contribution towards this global effort.

Resources

  • High-level Guidance for Developing and Costing an Airport Net Zero Roadmap
  • ACI Webinar - ACI World's global long-term carbon goal for airports
  • FAQs for ACI World’s Long-Term Carbon Goal for Airports

Launched in 2009 by ACI Europe, the Airport Carbon Accreditation program 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.

The APEX in Environment Program on-site review is 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

Environment Webinars

Webinars
Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation

Jul 21, 2023

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Webinars
Wildlife Trafficking Prevention: How can airports support the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Sep 2, 2021

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Webinars
ACI World’s global long-term carbon goal for airports

Jun 8, 2021

Watch Now

ACI Insights

by Yuliia Moravej
Oct 17, 2024
Commitments have been established to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for operations within an airport’s... Read more
by Crawford Allan
Feb 02, 2024
Crawford Allan, Senior Director of Wildlife at World Wildlife Fund-US, discusses key collaborative efforts between... Read more
by Esther Kromhout
Aug 03, 2023
The transition to sustainable aviation is taking place on a global scale, and hydrogen-powered aircraft... Read more