Athens Airport achieves carbon neutral status

Athens International Airport is the 28th airport to achieve neutral status (Level 3+) in the Airports Council International (ACI)’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.  

The majority of carbon neutral airports are located in Europe; as a result ACI Europe is on track to achieve its goal of having 50 carbon neutral airports by 2030.

Niclas Svenningsen – Head of the Climate Neutral Now Initiative at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat in Bonn, Germany – said: “The news that Athens International Airport has become carbon neutral through Airport Carbon Accreditation is a great way to kick off 2017.”

He went on to say: “The ambitious efforts of a growing number of carbon neutral airports are testament to how seriously this industry is working on addressing its direct impact on climate change.”

Swedavia’s Stockholm-Arlanda Airport was the world’s first airport to be awarded carbon neutral status in 2009.

At present, there are 180 airports working towards reducing their CO2 emissions, together servicing 37.3 per cent of the world’s passenger traffic.

Athens International Airport has been pursuing its environmental agenda since 2001.

It was among the first airports to invest in solar technology, constructing a €20 million photovoltaic park on the airport site.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, said: “I am delighted for Athens International Airport (AIA). Since its inception, AIA has been an ambitious and worthy addition to the European airport network – one that is always looking to innovate and push the boundaries of excellence in all aspects of airport management and efficiency.”

Dr Yiannis Paraschis, CEO of Athens International Airport, said: “By achieving carbon neutrality, Athens International Airport continues to tangibly demonstrate its commitment to the fight against climate change.” 

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