Source: ACI-LAC

The Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) is pleased to announce that Floripa Airport, operated by Zurich Airport Brasil, has become the first airport in Brazil to achieve Level 4 (“Transformation”) of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

To reach Level 4, the airport demonstrated a consistent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, consolidated stakeholder engagement at the airport site, and established a long-term carbon management strategy aimed at achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. This milestone aligns Floripa Airport with the aviation industry’s Net Zero commitment, in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Floripa Airport achieved this result through the tracking and monitoring of 30 categories of GHG emission sources. The monitoring is conducted using Carbon Flow, a software 100% developed by Zurich Airport Brasil employees, which was awarded the “Green Airport Recognition” at the ACI-LAC Annual Conference in Mexico in 2021. Using this tool, the company has developed solutions to reduce its carbon footprint, with the 400 Hertz and PCA project standing out among its initiatives. This system, which supplies clean energy to aircraft on the ground and is used by all airlines operating at the airport, prevented the emission of 2,734.7 tons of GHG between March and December 2024—equivalent to the CO₂ absorption of 21,036 Atlantic Forest trees.

“This achievement is extraordinary and reflects the commitment of multiple areas within our company to sustainable management. This recognition is a source of pride and proves that we are on the right path with our ESG strategies,” said Ricardo Gesse, CEO of Zurich Airport Brasil.

To obtain this certification, Floripa Airport underwent two international reviews. An independent verification was conducted by a Portuguese firm, hired by the airport in accordance with ACI standards, alongside ACI’s own review, which utilized a unique system for tracking CO₂ emissions at airports worldwide. The results of this extensive analysis and the confirmation of Level 4 certification were officially announced on Thursday, February 20.

“We congratulate Zurich Airport Brasil on this significant achievement. Floripa Airport’s accreditation at Level 4 (‘Transformation’) of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and climate change mitigation. This milestone positions Floripa Airport as a leader in Brazil and the region, driving the transition towards a more sustainable airport industry,” said Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC.

ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation

The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program is the only global carbon management certification program designed specifically for airports. It independently assesses and recognizes airports’ efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions across seven certification levels:

  • Level 1 – “Mapping”: The airport maps its carbon footprint, identifies emission sources, and calculates annual emissions.
  • Level 2 – “Reduction”: The airport provides evidence of emission reductions and compliance with carbon management targets.
  • Level 3 – “Optimization”: The airport expands its emission reduction efforts by engaging third parties in the process.
  • Level 3+ – “Neutrality”: The airport meets the previous levels’ requirements and offsets remaining emissions with carbon credits.
  • Level 4 – “Transformation”: The airport establishes a long-term carbon management strategy aimed at absolute emission reductions.
  • Level 4+ – “Transition”: In addition to previous requirements, the airport offsets residual carbon emissions under its control.
  • Level 5: The highest level, requiring airports to align their entire ecosystem with the aviation industry’s Net Zero commitment.

Currently, nearly 618 airports worldwide participate in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, including 93 airports in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Brazil currently has eight certified airports:
✔ Santos Dumont Airport (Level 1 – “Mapping”)
✔ Brasília International Airport, Vitória International Airport, and Macaé Airport (Level 2 – “Reduction”)
✔ Galeão International Airport and Salvador International Airport (Level 3 – “Optimization”)
✔ Belo Horizonte International Airport (Level 3+ – “Neutrality”)
✔ Floripa International Airport (Level 4 – “Transformation”)