Dunedin Airport’s carbon management system has achieved accreditation for the first time, receiving Level 3 certification from Airports Council International (ACI) Europe.

This recognition places Dunedin Airport among the 592 airports globally, including 12 in New Zealand, that are part of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, the world’s only independent carbon management certification specifically for airports.

Dunedin Airport has been tracking and reducing its carbon emissions since 2019 as part of its commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2030. Dunedin Airport CEO Daniel De Bono comments:

“We decided it was a good time to get an international body to check our homework and confirm we’re on track to meet our goal.”

The Level 3: Optimisation certification goes beyond simply measuring emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and includes engaging with third-party operators at the airport, such as airlines, ground handlers, and service providers, to collectively manage and reduce carbon footprints. The programme is an essential step in aligning airport operations with global sustainability goals.

Dunedin Airport’s Net Zero commitment focuses on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% by 2030. In 2019, these emissions were recorded at 277 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (tCO2-e) per year. As of 30 June 2024, the airport has reduced this figure to 213 tCO2-e, representing a 23% reduction and an annual saving of 64 tonnes. The total emissions reduction over the past five years amounts to 138 tonnes.

Dunedin Airport’s GM Sustainability, Louis Brown, notes the importance of working with global experts in this emerging field:

“Financial accounting is centuries old; carbon accounting is not. It’s important we work with global experts to make sure our figures are 100% correct and reliable.”

The Level 3 accreditation also allows Dunedin Airport to join a global community of over 500 airports with certified carbon management systems. This network offers valuable knowledge sharing and best practices. Louis Brown adds:

“This is a massive boost for us at the halfway mark of a difficult 10-year goal. We’ve got a long way to go, but this enables us to benchmark against others and ensure our reductions are both durable and efficient.”

To reach its 2030 goal, Dunedin Airport will continue to focus on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by a further 64 tonnes annually, aiming for no more than 150 tCO2-e per year. CEO Daniel De Bono is optimistic:

“I’m very proud of what our team has achieved. We’re looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and knocking off the last 60-odd tonnes.”

For more information, including details about Dunedin Airport’s sustainability strategy, visit: dunedinairport.co.nz/corporate to download the current Annual Report.

📸 Photo credit: Luke Johnston. Dunedin Airport's Head of Maintenance Greg Joyce on a scissor lift with our new LED lighting. 

Dunedin airport uses LED and fluorescent light bulbs to light the 12,000m2 terminal building. LED lights reduce emissions by reducing the amount of electricity imported from the national grid. Over time, Dunedin airport plans to replace all LED lights in the terminal.