By demonstrating a reduction in carbon emissions and its ability to operate sustainably, 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 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, 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 enhancing the company’s energy efficiency. Additionally, the Airport has begun measuring and estimating the climate impact of its stakeholders by calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint emissions. Recognizing that stakeholder engagement is crucial for climate change mitigation, Riga Airport developed its first Stakeholder Engagement Plan this year, detailing a variety of collaborative initiatives. As part of these efforts, the Airport also hosted a seminar for stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of mitigating climate change impacts and to share best practices for reducing CO2 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 minimize 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.

NetZero2050 is an integral part of the Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) Airport Sustainability Strategy, which is also closely linked to the European Union’s (EU) Green Deal and commitment to climate neutrality by 2050. The ACA programme was launched in 2008, ten years before the EU announced its Green Deal. This took place during the 18th annual congress of ACI Europe, when European airports pledged to reduce CO2 emissions to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral.

Riga Airport has been participating in the ACA programme since 2015. This year, Riga Airport updated its NetZero goal, pledging to achieve zero CO2 emissions by 2035.