The International Airports Council for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) announced that Florianópolis International Airport has achieved level 2 “Reduction” of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) certification, granted by ACI. Vitória and Macaé airports, also managed by Zurich Airport Brasil, achieved the same certification.
Certification by ACI is the result of the implementation of programs aligned with the ambitious but necessary goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050, that is, zeroing the net balance of greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Among the projects that led to international recognition, the use of drones for runway inspection, which reduces the emission of 7,5 tons of carbon dioxide per year at the three airports, and the 400 hertz project, which will provide renewable energy for aircraft on the ground. With this initiative, the concessionaire will avoid the emission of more than 2.500 tons of CO2 per year.
Furthermore, the certification reinforces the importance of the innovative Carbon Flow, a system developed 100% by Zurich Airport Brasil employees, capable of mapping the carbon footprint and creating solutions to reduce environmental impact. The software was awarded “Green Airport Recognition” in 2021, at the Annual Conference of the International Council of Airports of Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC), in Mexico.
“Sustainability is one of Zurich Airport Brasil’s values and advancing towards ACA certification proves that our commitment to the environment is genuine and that our efforts result in practical actions. This recognition also drives us to continue advancing with our ESG strategies”, says Ricardo Gesse, CEO of Zurich Airport Brasil.
The general director of ACI-LAC, Rafael Echevarne, celebrates the achievement of Zurich Airport Brasil: “the advancement of Floripa Airport, Vitoria Airport and Macaé Airport moving towards Level 2 of the program is confirmation of the company's commitment to making aviation more sustainable. We reiterate the importance of the Zurich example, as it operates airports with different profiles in Brazil and this demonstrates the possibility of implementing the program, regardless of the size or location of the terminal”.
ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only approved global carbon management certification program for airports. In this edition, 8 Brazilian airports were certified. It independently assesses and recognizes airports' efforts to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through 6 levels of certification: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Transformation and Transition.
Zurich Airport Brasil operates on four central themes in the area of sustainability, with consolidated programs for the management of energy, water, waste and air quality.
About ACI
Airports Council International (ACI) is the international airport organization, with 1.960 airports in 176 countries. The Latin America and Caribbean office (ACI-LAC) has 270 airports in 34 countries, which manage 95% of the region's air traffic.