Istanbul Airport stands out with its cutting-edge technology and status as a significant global hub and 5-star airport, and has now achieved Level 1 'Mapping' recognition from Airports Council International (ACI) under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

As Türkiye's gateway to the world, Istanbul Airport was awarded an international certificate in recognition of its efforts to manage and reduce its carbon footprint within the scope of its environmental and sustainability initiatives. Istanbul Airport, having met its obligations under the Airport Carbon Accreditations framework initiated by Airport Council International Europe in 2009, has achieved a Level 1 'Mapping' carbon management certification, joining the global community of climate-smart airports.

Carbon Footprint Management at Istanbul Airport

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. Istanbul Airport aims to reduce carbon emissions. In this regard, the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management Procedure has been revised to ensure compatibility with the requirements of the ISO 14064-1 International Standard for Greenhouse Gas Calculation and Verification Management Systems, as well as the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, in order to effectively calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions.

Within the context of the completed work, greenhouse gas sources and calculation methodologies have been identified at Istanbul Airport. All energy consumption data at the airport has been traceable, and all greenhouse gas emissions have been computable since the airport's opening date. Istanbul Airport implements measures such as remote monitoring and control, tracking energy consumption through an energy efficiency analysis system, centralized energy management, mechanical automation system practices, and efficient winter cooling practices to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, the greenhouse gas management system, integrated with the ISO 50001 Energy Management System, effectively identifies sources of greenhouse gas emissions and focuses improvement efforts on critical energy consumption points. All systems undergo continuous monitoring through regular reviews, ensuring sustainability.

The Greenhouse Gas Emission Management System applications at the airport underwent an audit by inspectors approved by the Airport Council International, in accordance with the requirements of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. Consequently, Istanbul Airport secured the "Level One 'Mapping' Carbon Management Certificate", a significant achievement in the international arena. Level Two and higher-level certifications require a data history of at least three years. On fulfilling the prerequisite of a three-year data history, our objective is to advance to the Level Three certification process, reduce the overall carbon footprint of Istanbul Airport after the three-year period, and progress towards the Level Four certification process.

"We are committed to reducing our impact on the climate"

Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of iGA Airport, making a statement concerning the efforts to reduce carbon emissions at Istanbul Airport and the "Level One Carbon Emission Certificate" awarded by Airports Council International, said, "Sustainability is at the very heart of all processes at Istanbul Airport. As we continue our operations in line with our environmental and sustainability principles, we are also striving to preserve the climate balance. This international certificate, which we have been awarded, is an important indicator of our sensitivity on the subject of carbon emissions. We currently do not have any data history from previous years regarding our carbon footprint. As a result, we have been awarded the 'Level One Carbon Emission' certificate. However, we still have a long way to go. We are confident that we will obtain the certifications for Levels 2, 3, and 4 once we have accumulated three years of data history. At iGA, we are committed to minimizing our climate impact by diminishing our carbon footprint at Istanbul Airport. We optimize our energy consumption, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, through our efficient energy management system and continue to improve it through our productivity-focused initiatives. Since its inauguration, we have successfully implemented significant aviation standards within a short period of time, and our goal is to take the lead in the development and growth of the aviation industry moving forward. We will continue our operations as a 'climate-smart' airport, in line with our environmental and sustainability policies."

"The benchmark for global hubs"

ACI EUROPE General Director, Olivier Jankovec, stated, "It is my pleasure to congratulate Istanbul Airport for achieving Level 1 in Airport Carbon Accreditation for 'Carbon Resources Mapping.' Since its inauguration two years ago, Istanbul Airport has consistently demonstrated operational excellence and exceptional customer service, rapidly establishing itself as the benchmark for global hubs. The airport's recent inclusion in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program demonstrates that commitment to excellence, even amidst the most severe crisis the aviation industry has ever faced – a commendable achievement. It is universally acknowledged that addressing the Climate Emergency cannot be postponed until the resolution of the health crisis. At the same time, reducing carbon emissions comes at a cost that cannot be easily absorbed in normal circumstances, let alone in the present financial turmoil experienced by airports across Europe and beyond. Today's announcement regarding Istanbul Airport's achievement of accreditation showcases the continued commitment of the airport industry to climate action. This commitment is not to be underestimated or undervalued."

The Airport Carbon Accreditation Program

The Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, initiated by Airports Council International in 2009, is the only global carbon management certification program for airports recognized on a corporate level. Airport Carbon Accreditations consist of six climate certification levels: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Neutrality, Transformation, and Transition.

At present, 334 airports around the world participate in the program and report their carbon emissions. Carbon emissions within the sector are measured, and reductions achieved through improvements are disclosed in annual reports. Consequently, airports are encouraged to manage and improve their carbon emissions.