Istanbul Airport Recognized with Level 1 'Mapping’ by Airports Council International (ACI) as Part of Airport Carbon Accreditation

Istanbul Airport has been recognized with Level 1 "Mapping" by Airports Council International (ACI) as part of Airport Carbon Accreditation.

As Turkey's gateway to the world, Istanbul Airport was awarded an international certificate as a result of its efforts to manage and reduce its carbon footprints as part of its environment and sustainability program. Istanbul Airport, which has fulfilled its obligations within the framework of the Airport Carbon Accreditations commenced by Airport Council International Europe in 2009, has obtained a Level 1 "Mapping" carbon management certificate, thereby joining the global community of climate-smart airports.

At Istanbul Airport, where sustainability is at the heart of every operation, works carried in line with sustainability policy from design to the building phase and from the building stage to operation processes stand out. Istanbul Airport aims to reduce carbon emissions. In this regard, Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management Procedure has been re-regulated to make it compatible with the requirements of ISO 14064-1 International Standard for Greenhouse Gas Calculation and Verification Management Systems and Airport Carbon Accreditation program in order to calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions.

Within the frame of the work completed, the sources of the greenhouse gas and the calculation methodologies have been identified at Istanbul Airport. All of the energy consumption data of the airport have been traceable and all of its greenhouse gas emissions have been computable since the date the airport was opened. Istanbul Airport takes actions such as remote monitoring and control, Tracking Energy Consumption via energy efficiency analysis system, Managing Energy From One Center, Mechanic Automation System practices, and efficient winter cooling practices to reduce carbon emissions. Besides, thanks to the greenhouse gas management system working in an integrated way with ISO 50001 Energy Management System, sources of greenhouse gas emissions are effectively-identified, and enhancement efforts are made on essential energy-consumption points. All systems are continuously checked with regular reviews, and sustainability is ensured.

The Greenhouse Gas Emission Management System applications at the airport were audited by inspectors approved by Airport Council International, in line with the requirements of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program and Istanbul Airport obtained the "Level One ‘Mapping’ Carbon Management Certificate," which is of importance in the international arena. Level Two and higher-level certificates require a data history of at least three years. Upon fulfilling the requirement of three years of data history, they are aiming to continue the Level Three certification process, reduce the total carbon footprint of Istanbul Airport after the three-year period, and take a step for the Level Four certification process.

Kadri Samsunlu, the chief executive officer and general manager of İGA Airport, who made a statement concerning the work carried directed at the reduction of carbon emissions at Istanbul airport and the "Level One Carbon Emission Certificate" awarded by Airport Council International, said, "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 One 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. We optimize our energy consumptions which cause greenhouse gases through our effective energy management system and continually improve it through our productivity-related activities. Since its opening, we have accomplished bringing important aviation standards and aviation into life in a short time and our aim is to take the lead in the development and progress of the aviation industry from now on. We will continue our activities as a 'climate-smart' airport, within the framework of our environmental and sustainability policies."

ACI EUROPE General Director Olivier Jankovec said, “It is my pleasure to congratulate Istanbul Airport for achieving Level 1 in Airport Carbon Accreditation "Carbon Resources Mapping! Ever since its opening 2 years ago, Istanbul airport has consistently delivered operational excellence and superior customer service, becoming in no time a reference amongst 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. We all know that we cannot wait for the health crisis to abate to address the Climate Emergency. At the same time reducing carbon emissions comes at a cost that cannot be absorbed easily in normal circumstances, not to mention the current financial devastation faced by airports across Europe and beyond. Today’s news of Istanbul Airport's successful accreditation exemplifies the continued commitment to climate action by the airport industry – a commitment that the sector doesn’t take lightly and that shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

The Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, which Airport Council International initiated in 2009, is the only global carbon management certification program for airports acknowledged on a corporate scale. Airport Carbon Accreditations are comprised of six climate certification levels: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Neutrality, Transformation and Transition.

Currently, 334 airports all around the world are participating in the program and reporting their carbon emissions. The carbon emissions of the sector are being measured and the reductions ensured in carbon emissions through improvements are announced with annual reports. Thus, the management and improvement of carbon emissions by airports is encouraged.