Sharjah Airport obtains Level 4 within the Airport Carbon Certification Programme
Sharjah, June 10, 2017 – Sharjah Airport has received Level 4 accreditation within the Airport Carbon Certification Program implemented by the Airports Council International (ACI), in a new achievement that reflects its continued progress in the field of sustainability and climate action.
The announcement of the accreditation came during the activities of the “Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition” of the Airports Council International Organization for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, which was held in the Thai capital, Bangkok.
This achievement reflects the continuous progress that Sharjah Airport is making in terms of aligning carbon emissions management strategies with global climate goals, by achieving an actual reduction in emissions and enhancing cooperation with partners working within the airport system as part of the aviation sector’s collective efforts to confront climate change.
His Excellency Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, said that the airport’s obtaining the fourth level accreditation within the Airport Carbon Certification Program reflects its continued commitment to consolidating sustainability in various aspects of its operational operations, explaining that this level of airports requires achieving an actual reduction in carbon emissions in addition to expanding the scope of cooperation with partners working within the airport community to enhance the collective impact of environmental efforts.
He added that this achievement is in line with the vision of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah to enhance environmental sustainability and support the UAE’s strategic initiative for climate neutrality 2050, while the airport continues to implement specific projects focusing on enhancing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy solutions, and launching innovative initiatives that contribute to reducing emissions, in addition to supporting operational excellence.
He stressed that the Airport Carbon Certification Program is the most prominent global framework for carbon management in the aviation sector, noting that Sharjah Airport’s move to level four reflects the success of its long-term climate action strategy based on innovation, cooperation, and effective partnerships, thus enhancing its position as a leading model for airports in the region.
For his part, Stefano Baronchi, Director General of Airports Council International for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, congratulated Sharjah Airport.
With this achievement, he pointed out that, by consolidating its position as one of the leading airports in effective carbon management, it confirms its firm commitment to building a more sustainable future. He said that this achievement is fully in line with the collective vision of the aviation sector aimed at achieving zero emissions neutrality by 2050.
Sharjah Airport began its journey within the Airport Carbon Certification Program in 2014 by obtaining the first level for mapping carbon emissions, making it one of the first airports in the region to join the program, while in 2016 it obtained the second level for reducing emissions after implementing a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, which included installing energy-efficient lighting systems (LED), developing air conditioning systems, and using solar energy in a number of airport facilities.
In 2018, Sharjah Airport succeeded in obtaining the third level for improving operations by expanding the scope of emissions management to include partners working within its community, including airlines and ground handling service providers, by adopting more efficient practices in energy and resource management.
In 2020, Sharjah Airport became the first airport in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the second airport in the Middle East to achieve carbon neutrality within Level 3+ by compensating for the remaining non-reducible emissions by supporting approved projects to reduce carbon emissions.
Sharjah Airport’s obtaining the fourth level represents a new milestone in its environmental journey that reflects its transition from achieving carbon neutrality to focusing on achieving an actual and sustainable reduction of emissions in cooperation with partners within its integrated system.
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