In a landmark achievement for Indian aviation, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has secured Level 5 accreditation under the globally recognized Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program by Airports Council International (ACI). This distinction places RGIA among the elite group of airports worldwide that have reached the pinnacle of carbon management certification.
The ACA program, comprising seven progressive levels from Mapping to Level 5, evaluates airports on their efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions. Achieving Level 5 signifies RGIA’s commitment to maintaining net-zero CO₂ emissions for Scope 1 and 2 and striving towards net-zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050 or earlier, aligning with the goals of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement.
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What is Level 5 Carbon Accreditation?
Airport Carbon Accreditation is a global certification program that assesses how well airports manage and reduce their carbon emissions. It has 7 levels from Level 1 (Mapping) to Level 5 (the highest level).
Here’s what it means when an airport achieves Level 5 (Transition):
Net Zero Achieved: The airport has already reached Net Zero carbon emissions for its own operations (Scope 1 & 2 emissions like power use, fuel for airport vehicles, etc.).
Ongoing Monitoring: The airport continues to monitor, report, and minimize carbon output using best practices in sustainability and energy management.
Scope 3 Engagement: The airport is also working with external stakeholders (like airlines, ground handlers, taxi fleets, etc.) to reduce Scope 3 emissions, which are not directly under its control.
Long-Term Commitment: The airport has a solid roadmap to reach net-zero for all emissions by 2050 or earlier, aligning with global climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
Global Benchmark: Level 5 places the airport among a very select group of global leaders in airport sustainability.
Plus, this accreditation shows that the airport is eco-conscious and future-ready, it boosts its reputation and trust among passengers and partners and help reduce aviation’s overall climate impact
SGK Kishore, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of GMR Airports, emphasized the airport’s dedication to sustainability, stating that RGIA will continue its efforts to sustain net-zero emissions and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve broader environmental goals.
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, lauded the achievement, noting that Indian airports are leading the way in environmental sustainability and that RGIA’s accomplishment reinforces India’s pioneering role in decarbonization.
This milestone underscores RGIA’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a benchmark for other airports in the region to follow.
