Brussels Airport achieves Level 4+ in the ACI EUROPE’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme

A significant recognition of its carbon reduction efforts 

Brussels Airport has achieved Level 4+ accreditation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, an independent initiative by the Airport Council International (ACI) that evaluates and certifies airports based on their CO2 emissions. This makes Brussels Airport the first airport in Belgium to achieve the second highest level of accreditation. Out of the 591 airports participating in the ACA system worldwide, Brussels Airport ranks among the 67 best-performing airports at Level 4+ or above (Level 5). 

Brussels Airport has achieved Level 4+ in the ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) programme of ACI EUROPE (Airport Council International), which is the umbrella organisation for over 500 airports across 55 countries in Europe. The independent programme assesses airports' efforts to reduce their emissions and certifies them based on their carbon impact on the environment.   

"This recognition represents a milestone in the hard work and effort we have invested over the past years to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Brussels Airport is now one step closer to achieving Level 5, as we remain committed to not emitting any CO2 at all by 2030 as an airport operator. This shows once again that we are also achieving concrete results in the field with our CO2 reduction programme." says Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company. 

From Level 3+ to Level 4+ 

To transition from Level 3+ to 4+, Brussels Airport incorporated additional emission sources into its calculations, in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This includes the impact of purchased goods and services, waste treatment (from the airport and its partners), and wastewater. Additionally, Level 4+ for all departing flights includes full-flight emissions. At lower levels, this is limited to the emissions during landing and take-off. 

Additionally, Brussels Airport has developed a Carbon Management Plan, outlining the actions the airport operator will take in the coming years to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This includes promoting a ‘modal shift’ for passengers and employees, as well as converting the existing boiler plant rooms that heat the airport buildings to a fossil-free alternative. In addition, airlines are encouraged to deploy more eco-friendly aircraft through differentiated airport charges and to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 

A Stakeholder Partnership Plan was also developed in collaboration with relevant aviation partners, outlining the measures Brussels Airport and its partners are taking to reduce carbon emissions at the airport. These initiatives include the electrification of ground handling equipment, along with the creation of a 'Waste Charter' with partners, detailing actions to minimise waste and improve recycling practices. 

This is a significant milestone, demonstrating that the airport has fully aligned its carbon reduction strategies with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Through initiatives such as transitioning to fossil-free heating systems, electrifying their vehicle fleet, and collaborating with operational partners through their Stakeholder Partnership Plan, the airport has embedded sustainability and in particular carbon management into every aspect of its operations. Projects like Stargate further highlight Brussels Airport’s leadership in sustainable aviation, setting a powerful example for our entire industry.” says Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE. 

What is ACA? 

The Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only internationally recognised standard that independently assesses and certifies airports' efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions across seven different levels. Brussels Airport has participated in the ACA programme since 2009 and has been actively pursuing sustainable development to minimise its carbon impact on the environment for many years. A significant milestone was achieved in 2018 when Brussels Airport received the carbon neutral airport certificate. 

Brussels Airport is now the first airport in Belgium to achieve the second highest level of accreditation. Out of the 591 airports participating in the ACA system worldwide, Brussels Airport ranks among the 67 best-performing airports at Level 4+ or above (Level 5).