Swedavia, the Swedish airport operator, continues to lead the aviation industry’s climate transition by achieving significant milestones within the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) framework.
As of December 2023, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and Ronneby Airport (RNB) have attained Level 5 ACA certification, the highest level in the program.
This accomplishment follows the earlier certifications of Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) and Malmö Airport (MMX) at Level 5, making Swedavia the operator with the most airports globally at this advanced stage of environmental accreditation.
The ACA program, developed by Airports Council International (ACI), evaluates airports’ efforts in managing and reducing carbon emissions.
Level 5 certification requires airports to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions in their operations and to engage their entire value chain, including suppliers and partners, in climate transition efforts.
Swedavia’s commitment to this comprehensive approach underscores its dedication to sustainable aviation practices.
Swedavia’s environmental strategy includes a goal for all ten of its airports to reach Level 5 ACA certification by 2026.
The next phase involves certifying Kiruna Airport (KRN), Visby Airport (VBY), and Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) at Level 5 by spring 2025.
This ambitious plan reflects Swedavia’s proactive stance in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable air travel.
In addition to achieving high-level certifications, Swedavia has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Since 2020, the company has operated all its airports with fossil-free energy sources, becoming the first airport group globally to do so.
Swedavia also offers a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive program, covering up to 50% of the additional costs for airlines refueling with SAF, thereby encouraging the adoption of cleaner fuels in aviation.
Furthermore, Swedavia participates in several projects aimed at advancing electric aviation.
Initiatives like the Green Flyway at Åre Östersund Airport serve as international test centers for electric aircraft and drones, positioning Swedavia at the forefront of developing infrastructure for the electrification of aviation.
Therese Forsström, Head of the Environmental Department at Swedavia, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving these environmental goals.
She notes that engaging partners early in the climate transition journey is crucial, as demonstrated by Swedavia’s early adoption of climate-neutral operations in 2006 and achieving fossil-free operations in 2020.
This collaborative approach ensures that all stakeholders contribute to and benefit from the shift towards sustainable aviation.
Swedavia’s comprehensive environmental efforts have garnered international recognition. In December 2023, Göteborg Landvetter Airport was highly commended in the Eco-Innovation Award, highlighting Swedavia’s pioneering role in operating airports with minimal environmental impact.
As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, Swedavia’s achievements serve as a model for integrating sustainability into airport operations.
By setting ambitious targets and fostering partnerships across the aviation ecosystem, Swedavia demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can go hand in hand, paving the way for a more sustainable future in air travel.
