With its strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional passenger experience, iGA Istanbul Airport has solidified its position as a prominent central hub airport in the region. This remarkable achievement is evident with the improvement of its 'Carbon Emission' Certificate to Level 3, as recognized by the prestigious Airport Carbon Accreditation from the International Airports Council (ACI Europe).

In recognition of its endeavors to manage and reduce its carbon footprint as an integral part of its environmental and sustainability initiatives, iGA Istanbul Airport has been awarded this prestigious 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 relatively short period of time.

In compliance with the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program established by the International Airports Council in 2009, iGA Istanbul Airport has incorporated its scope 3 emissions alongside its stakeholders within the airport ecosystem into its Level 3 carbon management initiatives.

iGA Istanbul Airport Enhances its Commitment to Combat Climate Change

At iGA Istanbul Airport, sustainability is central to all operations, with efforts being made in line with its sustainability policy throughout the design, construction, and operational processes. The impact and significance of sustainability initiatives are disseminated across the industry and to the public via globally recognized sustainability platforms.

As the only institutionally-endorsed global carbon management certification program for airports, the ACI Carbon Accreditation Program serves as a crucial benchmark in carbon management. The efficacy of the initiatives undertaken at iGA Istanbul Airport to address climate change, considered to be one of the most significant ESG risks today, is expressed at an international and high level through this certification procedure. As a result, iGA Istanbul Airport, which incorporates scope 1 and 2 emissions reported annually, as well as scope 3 emissions where stakeholder management activities take place, was entitled to receive the ACA Level 3 certificate. In this regard, all operations occurring at iGA Istanbul Airport, from guest transportation to the airport and flight procedures, are included in the carbon footprint reports from a life-cycle perspective.

Effective Carbon Footprint Management continues...

Within the context of research conducted to lower carbon emissions, iGA Istanbul Airport has identified the sources of greenhouse gases, and calculation methodologies have been established. Since its inauguration, the airport has diligently monitored all energy consumption data and assessed greenhouse gas emissions.

In an effort to minimize carbon emissions, iGA Istanbul Airport continues to meet the requirements of ISO 14064:2018 Greenhouse Gas Calculation and Verification Management System Standard and the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, in order to calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions. iGA Istanbul Airport plans to achieve ISO 14064:2018 ACI Level 4 certifications within the next two years.

Through the integration of the Greenhouse Gas Management System with the ISO 50001 Energy Management System, greenhouse gas emission sources have been effectively identified, and enhancement initiatives have been implemented at critical energy consumption points.
To reduce carbon emissions at iGA Istanbul Airport, various measures have been implemented, including remote monitoring and control using IoT (Internet of Things) technology, energy consumption monitoring through energy efficiency analysis system software, centralized energy management, mechanical automation system applications, and efficient winter cooling practices. Additionally, stakeholder management activities, training programs, and awareness-raising initiatives have been conducted for all airport employees.

Embracing a Sustainable Future...

iGA Istanbul Airport CEO, Kadri Samsunlu, commented on the efforts to reduce carbon emissions at Istanbul Airport, stating, "When we received the Level One Carbon Emissions Certificate, I was confident that we would also obtain the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level certificates. I am immensely pleased with our significant progress, having reached Level 3 in such a short period of time. By focusing on humans, the environment and the well-being of society, we continue to improve our sustainability initiatives. While we provide efficient solutions for current demands, we are also devising strategies to prioritize resource sustainability, taking into account the requirements of our industry, our stakeholders, the environment, and future generations. These strategies are accredited through international organizations. At iGA, we are committed to mitigating our climate impact by diminishing our carbon footprint at Istanbul Airport. Our objective is to create sustainable and exemplary model airports and cities, capable of transforming waste for the benefit of future generations. Sustainability remains at the core of our efforts, ensuring self-sustaining continuity for both the world and the environment.

Achieving not just one, but two levels in the Airport Carbon Accreditation signifies a remarkable achievement…

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, stated that, "Since the inauguration of Istanbul Airport, iGA has consistently achieved remarkable success in service quality and operational performance. As evidenced by its current accomplishments, environmental commitments are a central priority for this Turkish hub in their pursuit of excellence. Particularly during a time when we are just starting to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing by not just one, but two levels in the Airport Carbon Accreditation is an extraordinary achievement that requires determination and investment from the airport. I would like to extend my congratulations to the iGA Istanbul Airport team for their Level 3 'Optimization' achievements, which showcase their significant reduction in Airport-controlled CO2 emissions, while also empowering their operational stakeholders to do their part. It was explained that this wide-ranging area of responsibility is an important step towards attaining the 2050 Net Zero Carbon Emissions objective, which was established under the leadership of ACI EUROPE and covers multiple industries."