Sustainable Transition

The journey towards a sustainable and CO2-neutral future

At Aalborg Airport, the journey towards a sustainable transition is initiated, through the international carbon management program Airport Carbon Accrediation, where a climate-friendly focus is set on the entire journey – from the parking lot to the boarding stairs.

Every day, Aalborg Airport is the starting point for many passengers' journeys. They put their start of the journey in our hands and they expect a great travel experience. It commits and requires that we provide the best possible service every single day. An important part of that service is to be a responsible airport.

Whether a passenger takes the car or train to the airport, goes to a business meeting in Copenhagen or spends a week in the sun on Mallorca, the goal is to become a fully CO2-neutral airport – based on the UN's 17 global goals for sustainable development and accrediation through Airport Council International Europe's Airport Carbon Accrediation program   

Our goals in the sustainable transition:

  • By the end of 2021, Aalborg Airport must be a CO2-reducing airport.
  • By the end of 2025, Aalborg Airport must be a CO2-neutral airport.
  • By 2050, Aalborg Airport, including air traffic to and from the airport, must be CO2-neutral.

On the 10th of November 2021, Aalborg Airport fulfilled the sub-goal of being a CO2-reducing airport during 2021.

Airport Carbon Accreditation
- A Systematic Work with CO2 Reduction

In an effort to contribute to the sustainable transition and become a more climate-friendly company, Aalborg Airport has decided to structure the work with CO2 reduction based on the internationally recognized carbon management program for airports, Airport Carbon Accreditation. This program is specifically aimed at airports that want to reduce their CO2 emissions and thus make a difference to the climate.

Airport Carbon Accreditation is used by a large number of airports worldwide, and offers airports a structured framework for how to work with CO2 reduction. The program allows, among other things, the airports to identify the following:

  • Airport emission sources.
  • Mapping of the airport's CO2 emissions.
  • Processes for controlling and neutralizing CO2 emissions.
  • Processes for increasing efficiency through neutralization of CO2 emissions.
  • Processes to positively impact the entire aviation industry.

Airport Carbon Accreditation offers airports an official accrediation from levels 1 to 4+.

  • To achieve level-1 accrediation, one must identify its emission sources and record its CO2 emissions.
  • In order to achieve level-2 accrediation, you must also be able to demonstrate a decrease in CO2 emissions over a 3-year period, as well as show that you have a CO2 policy and actively work with CO2 reduction.
  • In order to achieve level-3 accrediation, one must also include all CO2 emissions from third parties (airlines, passengers, etc.) and engage third parties in actively reducing CO2 emissions associated with the airport.
  • In order to achieve level-3 + accrediation, one must also compensate for the airport's remaining CO2 emissions, by using credible and approved climate credits.
  • In order to achieve level-4 accrediation, a long-term climate plan for absolute CO2 neutrality must also be defined, which must correspond to the requirements of the Paris Agreement. It is also a requiement to prove that the airport actively drives third parties to reduce their CO2 emissions.
  • In order to achieve level-4 + accrediation, you must also compensate for the airport's remaining CO2 emissions, by using credible and approved climate credits.

The following illustrates the 6 levels within Airport Carbon Accreditation, and which levels Aalborg Airport is focusing on right now.

sustainability

Level 2 Accrediation Achieved

On the 10th of November 2021, Aalborg Airport achieved level-2 accrediation, with subsequent status as a CO2-reducing airport.

Aalborg Airport has worked intensively to identify its emission sources, calculate the actual CO2 emissions, and has been able to demonstrate a decrease in CO2 emissions for 2018, 2019 and 2020. In addition, Aalborg Airport has laid out an ambitious climate strategy, which in the long run will result in us becoming a CO2-neutral airport.

In the summer of 2021, Aalborg Airport's emission data and climate strategy were externally audited by a consultant from Price Waterhouse Cooper in Copenhagen. He has signed a declaration that our emission data is correct, he has approved our climate strategy, and then nominated us for accrediation at ACA.

I would like to commend Aalborg Airport for joining Airport Carbon Accreditation directly at Level 2 ‘Reduction’. This achievement recognises the ongoing ef-forts of the airport team to decarbonise through various CO2-reducing initiatives. By advancing electrifica-tion, switching to more energy-efficient systems and operations as well as opting for greener equipment, the airport is contributing to a more sustainable future of air transport today. 

Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Director General

How has Aalborg Airport Achieved its Level 2 Accrediation?

Aalborg Airport has in past years implemented projects and initiatives, all of which have been aimed at reducing the airport's CO2 emissions.

For example, the airport has:

  • Continuously replaced almost 50% of the fuel-powered Action equipment with electrified Action equipment.
  • Continuously replaced almost 50% of the lights in the terminal, 10% of the lights in the apron and 80% of the lights at the airport from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs.
  • Implemented an energy management system that allows the airport to monitor and control energy consumption at the airport.

During periods when there are either not that many passengers, or if areas of the airport are not used, it is possible for Aalborg Airport to turn on / off heat, light, air conditioning and the like, so that no energy is consumed at the airport.

In 2021, the airport will also have:

  • A comprehensive energy screening report has been prepared in collaboration with NIRAS, with a view to mapping which areas of the airport energy-optimizing measures can be taken.
    - This has specifically led to Aalborg Airport choosing to replace a diesel-powered boarding stairs vehicle with an electric-powered boarding stairs vehicle. The electric boarding stairs vehicle emits only 182 kg CO2 per year, whereas a diesel-powered boarding stairs vehicle emits 24,175 kg per year. In addition, Aalborg Airport has planned to replace all lights in the apron with LED within a few years, as this entails a potential energy saving of up to 90%.
  • Started work on the expansion of 12 electric charging stations in direct parking area.
  • Started collaboration with AAU, Shell and Steeper Energy for the development and production of sustainable aviation fuel (LOWCARBFUELS.DK)