In December 2023, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Eindhoven Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) reached level 5, the highest level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA). This status is verified every year by Airports Council International (ACI), who uses the Airport Carbon Accreditation standard.
To reach level 5, an airport must reach and maintain a net zero carbon balance on scope 1 and 2 (own activities). But is must also address scope 3 (third party activities) emission sources. Level 5 means that our Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been reduced by 90% compared to 2010 for Schiphol and Eindhoven and compared to 2019 for RTHA. And we are applying credible carbon removals for the residual emissions.
Scope 3 includes among others aircraft landings and take-offs, aircraft handling and road traffic around the airport site. CO2 emissions from kerosene for outbound flights are also classified as Scope 3. Emissions generated by inbound flights to our airports are included in the carbon footprint of the departing airport, while emissions generated during landing (3,000 feet) are included in the carbon footprint of our airports. The majority of Schiphol Group's CO2 emissions stem from third party (Scope 3) activities.
