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Budapest Airport has achieved an impressive milestone in its commitment to environmental sustainability by attaining level 4+ “Transition” status in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, as recognized by the Airports Council International (ACI). This accomplishment places Budapest Airport among a select group of airports globally, with only 52 airports out of over 550 participants currently holding this distinction. Notably, Budapest Airport stands out as the first airport in Central Europe to reach this level of certification.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation program, overseen by ACI, is the premier globally recognized initiative evaluating airports’ carbon emissions using a stringent certification framework on a scale of one to five. Budapest Airport’s advancement to a 4+ “Transition” rating signifies its effective offsetting of direct carbon emissions from its operations and collaborative efforts with partners to diminish emissions. Moreover, the airport has established ambitious long-term targets for reducing absolute emissions, forged strategic partnerships with stakeholders, and devised a comprehensive Carbon Management Plan aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
To attain the level 4+ “Transition” status within the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, Budapest Airport has expanded its focus beyond direct emissions reduction to encompass the measurement of indirect emissions stemming from the activities of tenant companies. This expanded scope includes factors like the environmental impact of de-icing materials, fuel usage by contractors during construction, waste management practices, and commuting patterns of airport personnel. By conducting a thorough analysis of these variables, Budapest Airport aims to further mitigate its environmental footprint in collaboration with its partners and ultimately achieve a net-zero emissions target by 2035, in line with ACI’s directives.
The rigorous criteria for level 4+ “Transition” accreditation are met by a mere 10% of participating airports, totaling 52 airports globally, with Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport leading the Central European region as the pioneer in this achievement.
Budapest Airport’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond mere certification, with ongoing initiatives such as the expansion of its electric vehicle fleet, enhancement of e-charging infrastructure, and promotion of e-mobility among partner entities. Currently, the airport boasts 96 electric vehicle charging points and over 130 electric ground service units in operation daily. Additionally, passengers have access to 35 e-charging points in public parking areas. The airport has also transitioned to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources since January 2023, with plans underway for a 7.5 MW solar farm and the development of a geothermal heating system. These efforts have contributed to a notable reduction of over 70% in direct carbon emissions over the past decade, alongside significant advancements in waste management, with a 73% recycling rate in 2023—double the national average. Furthermore, the airport has achieved a 22% reduction in natural gas consumption within a year, showcasing its ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
Olivier Jankovec, the director general of ACI EUROPE emphasized: “I have only praise for Budapest Airport’s latest achievement within Airport Carbon Accreditation. The Hungarian hub has reached another critical step in carbon management, as it has become certified at level 4+ Transition, which means it has fully aligned its carbon reduction pathway with the ambitious climate goals of the Paris Agreement. BUD is the first airport in Central Europe to reach this level of carbon management maturity, and with its target to achieve net zero emissions already by 2035 for CO2 emissions under its control, the airport is also clearly a leader in terms of climate action at global level. Hats off to the entire team for this significant achievement!”
“As a responsible airport operator, we are convinced that rapid action is needed to protect the environment and integrate sustainable practices into our daily operations,” said Kam Jandu, the CEO of Budapest Airport. He added: “Achieving level 4+ “Transition” confirms that with a consistent strategy, combined with a passionate and knowledgeable team, the airport is able to fulfil its essential operations in a more sustainable way. The next step will be to achieve ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation level 5, which will mean attaining net zero emissions, and we aim to realize this by 2035 at the latest.”
The primary aim is to achieve net zero emissions by 2035.
Budapest Airport became a part of ACI’s NetZero by 2050 initiative in 2019. This initiative aims to attain net zero carbon emissions from participating organizations’ operations by 2050. Yet, Budapest Airport has set an ambitious goal to eliminate its carbon emissions well ahead of schedule, targeting a zero-emission status by 2035 at the latest.
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