The efforts by Dubai International Airport (DXB) to cut carbon emissions were recently recognized with a Level 4 ‘Transformation’ accreditation from Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, placing it among the top 5 percent of participating airports worldwide to achieve this status.
The ‘Transformation’ certification is awarded to airports that realize absolute emissions reductions and drive systemic change with its stakeholders.
What is the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme?
The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is an institutionally endorsed programme that independently assesses and recognizes airports’ efforts to manage and reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.
The programme offers seven levels of certification: ‘Mapping’, ‘Reduction’, ‘Optimization’, ‘Neutrality’, ‘Transformation’, ‘Transition’ and ‘Level 5’.
Read: DXB named world’s busiest international airport for 10 years in a row
Through the seven levels of certification, Airport Carbon Accreditation acknowledges that airports are at different stages in their journey towards comprehensive carbon management. The programme covers airports of all sizes, extending beyond hubs and regional airports with scheduled passenger traffic, to include general aviation and freight-focused airports.
The seven levels
At Level 1 ‘Mapping’ of Airport Carbon Accreditation, airports are required to measure and inventorize their carbon footprint. To achieve this level of accreditation, an airport has to determine its ‘operational boundary’ and the emissions sources within that boundary. Then, it has to collect data and calculate the latest annual carbon emissions for those sources. Next, it must compile a carbon footprint report.
At Level 2 ‘Reduction’, airports are required to set up their carbon management and progress towards a reduced carbon footprint. To achieve this level of accreditation, an airport has to fulfil all the requirements of ‘Mapping’. Moreover, it must provide evidence of effective carbon management procedures including target setting. Moreover, it must show that a reduction in the carbon footprint has occurred by comparing its latest carbon footprint to the emissions of the previous years.
Read: Why does Dubai International have two codes, DXB and OMDB?
At Level 3 ‘Optimization’, airports are required to engage their third parties in carbon footprint management. Third parties include airlines and various service providers, such as independent ground handlers, catering companies, air traffic control and others working on the airport site. It also involves engagement on surface access modes (road, rail) with authorities and users.
At Level 3+ ‘Neutrality’, airports are required to compensate for their remaining carbon emissions that cannot be reduced by other means by offsetting. To achieve this level of accreditation, an airport has to fulfil all requirements of the previous three levels. It must offset its remaining carbon emissions as well as emissions from staff business travel, using internationally recognized offsets.
Where DXB stands
At Level 4 ‘Transformation’, airports are required to align their carbon management ambition with the global climate goals and transform their operations with absolute emissions reductions in mind, while also strengthening their stakeholder engagement. Airports must set out a policy commitment to absolute emissions reduction. They must also formulate a long-term absolute carbon emissions reduction target. The target amount and date shall be aligned with the IPCC 1.5°C or 2°C pathways. Airports also have to develop a carbon management plan to achieve the target. The airport shall define its trajectory to achieve its carbon emissions reduction target and the actions it expects to implement to remain on that trajectory.
Read: flydubai launches new business class check-in at DXB’s Terminal 2
At Level 4+ ‘Transition’, airports are required to compensate for their remaining carbon emissions by offsetting. To achieve this level of accreditation, an airport has to fulfill all requirements of the earlier levels, and offset its remaining carbon emissions as well as emissions from staff business travel, using internationally recognized offsets. Carbon offsetting is providing funds to other projects that reduce carbon dioxide so as to make up for the emissions that one is not able to eliminate. For example, an airport could pay for a wind energy facility that replaces a coal-fired power-plant.
Level 5 is the topmost level in the programme, setting high standards for airports to significantly reduce their absolute carbon emissions. In addition, airports at this level must collaborate with their entire ecosystem, including employees, suppliers, business partners, airlines, and other companies and third parties active on the airport site, to significantly contribute to emissions reduction, aligning with the broader Net Zero commitments of the sector. Regular monitoring and assessment are essential to measure progress and ensure transparency.
How many airports are accredited globally?
There are currently 601 accredited airports across all levels. These include 120 in level 1, 224 in level 2, 128 in level 3, 27 in level 3+, 34 in level 4, 50 in level 4+, and 18 in level 5. Of the 18 airports in level 5, four are located in Finland and Sweden each, followed by three each in the Netherlands and Portugal, two in India, and one each in New Zealand and France.
Recognizing DXB’s efforts
The Level 4 milestone reflects Dubai International Airport’s commitment to long-term carbon emissions reduction, fully aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Operated by Dubai Airports, the airport is on track to becoming net zero by 2050.
DXB has made substantial progress through key initiatives and partnerships that advance decarbonization. A recent collaboration with dnata and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has seen dnata’s non-electric airside fleet and ground support equipment transition to a biodiesel blend, reducing carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually.
Read: Dubai Airports launches assisted travel lounge at DXB’s Terminal 2
In addition, the airport’s partnership with Etihad Energy Services has led to a comprehensive building and lighting retrofit, as well as rooftop solar integration, significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Furthermore, a collaboration with BEEAH Group has introduced an innovative food waste treatment plan at the airport, achieving a 60 percent reduction in landfill waste.
Other alliances
Other successful initiatives include active involvement in the ‘Airports of Tomorrow’ venture by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and ACI, focusing on key areas such as energy, infrastructure, and financing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Moreover, the implementation of the ‘Follow the Greens’ airfield guidance system at DXB optimizes aircraft taxiing routes, leading to reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
The recently launched oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a network of airport partners, is further driving sustainability by exploring over 180 additional potential decarbonisation projects.
“Achieving Level 4 ‘Transformation’ accreditation underscores our firm commitment to embedding sustainability at the core of everything we do at Dubai Airports. This recognition not only highlights our progress in reducing our own carbon footprint but also reflects the strength of our partnerships in driving broader, systemic change across the aviation ecosystem,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
“For us, sustainability is not a checkbox – it’s a long-term strategy that involves collaboration, innovation, and constant improvement. The responsibility we own goes beyond our operation; it’s about leading by example and embracing a culture where every stakeholder plays a part in creating a more sustainable future. Together, we are setting a new standard for what is possible in airport operations, as we continue to support Dubai’s and the UAE’s leadership in the global effort towards Net Zero by 2050,” he added.
For more news on sustainability, click here.
