Istanbul Airport has been recognized with Level 1 ‘Mapping’ by Airports Council International (ACI) as part of the organization’s Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme.
ACI says the airport was awarded an international certificate thanks to its efforts to manage and reduce its carbon footprint as part of its environment and sustainability program. Works carried out in line with its sustainability policy ranged from the design to the building phase of the airport, through to its operations processes. For example, its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory management procedure has been re-regulated to make it compatible with the requirements of ISO 14064-1, the International Standard for Greenhouse Gas Calculation and Verification Management Systems. To this end, all of the energy consumption data for the airport is traceable and its GHG emissions have been computable since the date the airport was opened.
Kadri Samsunlu, the CEO and general manager of operator İGA Airport, commented, “The subject of sustainability is at the very heart of all of the processes at Istanbul Airport. While continuing our operations in line with our environmental and sustainability principles, we are also making the utmost effort to protect the balance of the climate.
“This international certificate, which we have been awarded, is an important indicator of our sensibility on the subject of carbon emissions. We currently do not have a data history of previous years when it comes to the carbon footprint. Therefore, we have been entitled to receive the ‘Level 1 Carbon Emission’ certificate. But we have a long way to go. I have no doubt that we will receive the certificates of Levels 2, 3, and 4 upon accumulating three years of data history. As İGA, we are determined to minimize our impact on the climate by reducing our carbon footprint at Istanbul Airport.”
ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec added, “It is my pleasure to congratulate Istanbul Airport for achieving Level 1 in Airport Carbon Accreditation ‘Carbon Resources Mapping’. Ever since its opening two years ago, Istanbul airport has consistently delivered operational excellence and superior customer service, becoming in no time a reference among global hubs. Seeing the airport now joining Airport Carbon Accreditation is part of that drive for excellence – and the fact that this is happening amid the worst crisis ever experienced by the aviation sector should be met with praise.”