Riga Airport Becomes the First Climate-Neutral Airport in the Baltics

Autors: Ilze Salna
Avots: Riga-airport.com

By reaching Level 3+ accreditation in the global Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, Riga Airport has become the first climate-neutral airport in the Baltic region, having offset all directly generated CO₂e emissions.

This milestone represents an important step toward the Airport’s NetZero 2035 target and highlights Riga Airport’s consistent work in managing and reducing CO₂e emissions, as well as its sustainable cooperation with stakeholders. Riga Airport is the first airport in the Baltics to achieve such a high level of environmental performance.

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The accreditation is the result of several years of systematic efforts to reduce emissions from Airport operations. Since joining the ACA programme in 2015, Riga Airport has implemented numerous initiatives to improve energy efficiency, switch to renewable energy sources, and promote sustainable transport within the Airport area. As a result, the Airport has significantly reduced its direct emissions, while the remaining share that could not be eliminated in 2024 was offset through the purchase of carbon offset certificates.

“The ACA Level 3+ certificate is a significant achievement on our journey toward the NetZero 2035 goal,” said Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of Riga Airport. “This recognition confirms our commitment to implementing real, measurable climate impact reduction measures and proves that sustainable aviation development is possible when environmental responsibility is embedded in everyday operations. Without accountability for the industry’s impact on climate change, growth in aviation today is no longer conceivable.”

The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, developed and managed by the Airports Council International (ACI), is the world’s only globally recognized carbon management standard specifically designed for airports. It independently assesses and recognizes airports’ efforts to manage and reduce emissions through seven accreditation levels – from Mapping (Level 1) to full Transition to Net Zero (Level 5). Currently, 615 airports worldwide are accredited under the ACA programme, with only 30 of them reaching Level 3+.

Riga Airport’s strategy and long-term development plan provide for continued efforts to reduce emissions by investing in renewable energy generation, electrifying ground handling equipment, and closely cooperating with airlines, passengers, and partners to ensure a more sustainable travel experience.

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