Edinburgh Airport has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainability by achieving Level 4 ‘Transformation’ in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, marking it as the first airport in Scotland to be awarded this global recognition. This achievement underscores Edinburgh Airport’s dedication to combating climate change through its comprehensive sustainability initiatives, aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
As Scotland’s busiest airport, operated by VINCI Airports, Edinburgh Airport is committed to reaching net-zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and Scope 3 by 2045. The attainment of Level 4 in the ACA program reflects the airport’s success in implementing long-term strategies for reducing absolute carbon emissions and driving systemic change by engaging with its stakeholders, airlines, and campus partners. These collaborative efforts have been crucial in reducing emissions across the airport’s ecosystem.
One of the primary achievements leading to this accreditation is the publication of the airport’s Net Zero Strategy, which outlines the future of sustainable growth and Edinburgh’s contribution to a net-zero world. This strategy addresses direct emissions and extends to mapping and reducing Scope 3 (indirect) emissions throughout the airport’s supply chain.
Since 2016, Edinburgh Airport has been taking concrete steps towards sustainability by powering its terminal facilities with renewable and lower-carbon fuels. Most notably, the airport has introduced an eleven-acre solar farm that generates 9.7 MW of renewable energy, significantly lowering its carbon footprint. Additionally, the airport has focused on decreasing electricity consumption and transitioning its vehicle fleet to EVs.
Jessica Briggs, Head of Sustainability at Edinburgh Airport, remarked, “This accreditation marks another major milestone as we progress towards net zero emissions and build upon the important work already done through our Greater Good sustainability strategy. Work is already underway and we know that VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy will accelerate our climate transition to achieve higher levels of the Airport Carbon Accreditation by reducing as much as possible our direct emissions, working on the value chain and beyond, whilst supporting carbon removal projects with environmental and social benefits.”
The airport’s accomplishment is further highlighted by its participation in VINCI Airports’ global network of over 70 airports, all committed to the ACA program. VINCI Airports has been a driving force behind environmental sustainability in aviation, with four of its airports—Toulon Hyères in France and Beja, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada in Portugal—already reaching net-zero emissions at Level 5 of the ACA program. Edinburgh Airport joins this prestigious group, contributing to VINCI’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions at all European and UK airports by 2030.
As Edinburgh Airport continues to lead the charge towards decarbonization, it sets its sights on the next milestone, Level 4+ ‘Transition.’ This level requires airports to offset their carbon emissions with reliable carbon credits.
