RIX Riga Airport has been awarded a Level 3 certificate by the global Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme
Level 3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, ‘Optimisation’, requires airports not only to reduce their own emissions but also to engage third parties in managing their carbon footprint. These third parties include airlines and various service providers such as air traffic control, ground handling, catering, fuel supply, and other industries operating within the airport's territory. Additionally, airports must collaborate with other transport providers, such as road carriers and railway operators, to promote environmentally friendly access to the airport.
To achieve Level 3, Riga Airport has taken significant steps to reduce its direct emissions. These efforts include installing solar panel parks, incorporating electric vehicles into its fleet, and improving the company's energy efficiency. The Latvian airport has also begun measuring and estimating the climate impact of its stakeholders by calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint emissions.
The ACA programme is the only airport-specific carbon reduction programme in the world, and its certification demonstrates an airport's strategic commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. More than 600 airports serving 79 % of passengers in Europe and 53.4 % worldwide have joined the ACA programme at various levels.
"Sustainability, with the environment as a central pillar, must now be a core focus of every company's operations. Riga Airport has long embraced this responsibility, systematically and purposefully designing its business processes to minimise environmental impact and mitigate any unavoidable consequences. By actively participating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme and adhering to its guidelines, Riga Airport is committed to achieving progressively higher accreditation levels, ultimately striving for zero or net-zero emissions," said Laila Odiņa, chairperson of the board of the airport.
