Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  June 28, 2019

European airports pledge net-zero emissions by 2050

Almost 200 airports in Europe pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Bloomberg reported June 26.

The pledge included the 40 operators that function in the airports as well, the news site reported. Airports Council International also called for the aviation industry to develop additional measures to those set by the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, as a response to criticism regarding a focus on purchasing offset credits rather than actually reducing carbon output.

"Europe’s airports have been leading climate action with annual reductions announced every year for the past decade," Michael Kerkloh, president of ACI Europe and chief executive officer of Munich airport, said in a statement. "Today’s commitment brings a new dimension to this -- no offsets." 

Bloomberg also reported that approximately 43 European airports are already carbon neutral (through offset credits), with three smaller airports, all located in Sweden, boasting true net-zero terminals.