Source: ACI-LAC

  • Latin America and the Caribbean ranks second worldwide in the number of ACA-accredited airports.

Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) is proud to announce that Salvador Bahia Airport, a member of the VINCI Airports network, has become the first airport in the Americas to achieve Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program — the highest global recognition for carbon management in airports.

This historic achievement reflects the airport’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations and engaging its entire ecosystem in the fight against climate change. The milestone is especially symbolic as it coincides with Brazil hosting COP30, reinforcing the country’s leadership in the global climate agenda.

Path to Level 5: Innovation and Environmental Commitment

Salvador Bahia Airport has achieved net zero emissions for Scopes 1 and 2 and has committed to neutralizing Scope 3 emissions by engaging partners and stakeholders. Key actions that enabled this certification include:

  • Installation of two photovoltaic solar plants supplying energy for both airport operations and third parties
  • Exclusive use of 100% renewable energy across all airport activities, including concessionaires
  • Replacement of gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives, even in restaurants
  • Ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to promote joint emission reduction initiatives
  • Compensation of residual emissions through certified carbon removal projects, such as the reforestation initiative in Corumbá (MS), which also generates local social and economic benefits

About the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation Program

The ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only international carbon management certification program for airports, promoted by Airports Council International (ACI). It evaluates and recognizes airports’ efforts to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.

The certification process is divided into seven levels, reflecting the maturity and impact of decarbonization efforts:

  1. Level 1: The airport conducts a comprehensive mapping of its carbon emissions, establishing a reliable database for future actions.
  2. Level 2: Concrete measures are implemented to reduce direct emissions, with verified results.
  3. Level 3: The airport begins involving partners and third parties (such as airlines and concessionaires) in managing indirect emissions.
  4. Level 3+: In addition to optimization, the airport offsets its remaining emissions through certified compensation.
  5. Level 4: Sustainable practices are deeply integrated across operations, with long-term goals and systemic commitment.
  6. Level 4+: The airport demonstrates progress toward full neutrality, with robust and traceable actions.
  7. Level 5: Requires the airport to achieve net zero emissions for Scopes 1 and 2 and show leadership in engaging partners to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

Latin America and the Caribbean currently rank as the second region in the world in number of ACA-certified airports (103), behind only Europe.

“The achievement of Level 5 by Salvador Bahia Airport is an extraordinary milestone for the Latin American airport industry. It demonstrates not only the airport’s commitment to sustainability, but also the collective progress of our region’s airports toward decarbonization — a major challenge. This milestone shows that we are on the right path,” said Dr. Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC.

For more information about the ACA program and certified airports in Latin America and the Caribbean, visit: https://www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org