Airports, environmental certification arrives on a large scale

Leap forward into contrast to polluting emissions related to the aviation sector. There International Air Transport Association (Iata) launched the program IEnvA for Airports and GSPs (‘Environmental Assessment for Airports and Ground Service Providers’) which extends the environmental certification to ground services.

Lead port

It starts with theEdmonton International Airport (Canada), which will play a leadership role when other airports join the initiative. The project consists in the construction of environmental management plans featuring continuous performance improvements. Around 50 airlines are part of the programme. Of these, 34 have already completed the certification procedure, while the others are in the approval stage. IEnvA has solid experience, the environmental management system is based on standards and good practices created in collaboration with airlines, airports, ground service providers, the association itself and sustainability experts. It will also make use of IEnvA’s proven oversight, governance and quality control processes and include the provision of standards and recommended practices, access to training, readiness workshops and external evaluation.

Net zero emissions target

Since the aviation industry has been committed to increase sustainabilityincluding achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the expansion of IEnvA to airports and ground services is essential. “With Edmonton International Airport’s pioneering participation in the expanded program, we have a clear signal that the industry’s sustainability commitments are being implemented in a systematic, results-oriented approach across the value chain.” This is the thought of Sebastian Mikosz, Iata Senior Vice-President for Environment and Sustainability.

As the lead airport, the hub of Edmonton will work to establish standards and guidance material to enhance performance in areas such as emissions, waste, water, noise, energy and biodiversity. “This is a significant milestone for airports around the world and we are proud to be part of the movement towards a sustainable future for aviation” he says with satisfaction Myron Keehn, VP of Air Service, Business Development, ESG and Stakeholder Relations. “Iata’s Environmental Assessment Program has supported the sustainability narrative across the aviation sector and we are thrilled to be the first airport involved in the expansion of this program as we continue to prioritize ESG, innovation and forward-thinking solutions for airport operations and strategic partnerships”.