iGA Istanbul Airport has announced that it was able to raise the 'Carbon Emission' Certificate of the gateway to Level 3 within the scope of the Airport Carbon Accreditation, granted by the International Airports Council (ACI Europe).

iGA Istanbul Airport noted that it has been awarded this international certificate within the scope of the Airport Carbon Accreditation by the Airports Council International (ACI Europe) for its success in raising the Level One Carbon Emission Certificate to Level Three in a short period of time as a result of its efforts to manage and reduce its carbon footprint as part of its environmental and sustainability programme.

Istanbul Airport said its sustainability policy is implemented in all of the airport's undertakings from the design to the building phase, and from the building phase to the operation processes.

ACI Carbon Accreditation Program stands out as an important indicator in carbon management being the institutionally approved sole global carbon management certification program for airports.

"The effectiveness of the activities carried out at iGA Istanbul Airport in combating climate change, considered one of the most important ESG risks today, is expressed at an international and high level through this certification process. Accordingly, iGA Istanbul Airport which adds scope 1 and 2 emissions reported every year, and scope 3 emissions where stakeholder management activities take place, was entitled to receive the ACA Level 3 certificate," the airport said.

İGA Istanbul Airport noted that since its opening, the airport has monitored all energy consumption data and assessed greenhouse gas emissions. 

Aiming to reduce carbon emissions, İGA Istanbul Airport continues to meet the requirements of ISO 14064:2018 Greenhouse Gas Calculation and Verification Management System Standard and Airport Carbon Accreditation program in order to calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions.

In order to reduce carbon emissions at İGA Istanbul Airport, remote monitoring and control using IoT (Internet of Things) Technology, monitoring of energy consumption using energy efficiency analysis system software, management of energy from one centre, mechanical automation system applications, and efficient winter cooling practices, actions were taken to reduce carbon emissions, and stakeholder management activities and training programs, and awareness-raising programs have been carried out for all airport employees. 

"I stated that I had no doubt that we would also receive the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level certificates when we were awarded the Level One Carbon Emissions Certificate. I am extremely happy that we have achieved significant progress by reaching Level 3 in a short period of time," said Kadri Samsunlu, Istanbul Airport İGA Istanbul Airport CEO.

"While we offer more efficient solutions for today's needs, we are also developing approaches that prioritise the sustainability of resources by considering the needs of our industry, our stakeholders, and the environment and future generations."

Samsunlu noted that iGA is determined to minimise its impact on climate by reducing the carbon footprint at Istanbul Airport.

"Our aim is to create sustainable model airports and model cities that can transform waste by creating an exemplary model for future generations. Sustainability will always be our focus, providing a self-sufficient continuity for the world and the environment," the airport chief added.

Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI EUROPE commended the achievement of the Turkish airport in achieving two levels in the Airport Carbon Accreditation.

"Since the opening of Istanbul Airport, İGA has achieved great success every day in terms of service quality and operational performance ... especially during a period when we have just begun to get over the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, improving by not just one, but two levels in the Airport Carbon Accreditation is a remarkable achievement that requires determination and investment for the airport," Jankovec said.

"I'd like to congratulate the İGA Istanbul Airport team on their 3rd Level 'Optimisation' accomplishments, which demonstrate that they have significantly reduced "Airport controlled CO2" emissions while also empowering their operational stakeholders to do their part."

The ACI executive said this is an important step towards achieving the 2050 net zero carbon emissions target of the industry.