San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has announced the renewal of its certification in the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
The “level 3” certification, the second highest possible within the program’s framework, has now been awarded to SFO every year since it first achieved the milestone in 2016.
“SFO is an airport industry leader in sustainability, and renewal of our Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International represents a major milestone towards being a leading carbon neutral airport in the U.S.,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero.
“We have set big goals to achieve zero net energy use, zero waste, and carbon neutrality, and by working together, we will accomplish our goal to be the world’s most sustainable airport.”
The Airport Carbon Accreditation program was introduced by European airports’ trade body ACI EUROPE in 2009 to assess and recognise airports’ efforts to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.
It has since become the global industry standard for carbon management, awarding recognition for carbon measurement, on-site operational carbon management and collaboration with third parties on reduction strategies.
“Airports strive to be good partners within their communities and in the global aviation system by promoting sustainability and environmentally responsible practices,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke.
“One of the chief ways North American airports can lower their carbon footprint is by participating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. I applaud San Francisco International Airport for achieving an ambitious three-year renewal at Level 3. Airports like SFO are leading our industry on a path toward continued success in innovation and sustainability.”
The four levels of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program recognise ‘Mapping’, ‘Reduction’, ‘Optimisation’ and finally ‘Neutrality’ of all carbon emissions under an airport’s control.
SFO is one of nine airports in the United States to reach the ‘Optimisation’ level of the program, with only Dallas Fort Worth International Airport having achieved carbon neutrality so far.
