14
March
2019
|
15:05
Europe/Amsterdam

Schiphol receives certificate for CO2-neutral operations

For the sixth year in a row, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has achieved the highest attainable level in the CO2 benchmark of the Airports Council International (ACI) industry organisation. Schiphol is receiving the certificate for CO2 neutrality as a result of 'its exceptional work in managing, reducing and compensating all its own CO2emissions at the airport'.

Emissions-free by 2030

Schiphol is committed to making aviation and its airports more sustainable and aims to be the most sustainable airport by 2030. All the Dutch Royal Schiphol Group airports are aiming to eliminate emissions entirely for their own activities in 2030. This is stated in the ‘Smart & Sustainable’ action plan which was presented by the aviation sector in October. Schiphol is actively working with its sector partners to reduce aviation emissions, also through Smart & Sustainable.

In order to reduce CO2 emissions, among other things Schiphol is investing in electric transport at and around the airport and electric ground equipment. For example, the largest European fleet of electric buses runs to and from Schiphol, and electric buses also operate on Schiphol’s aprons. The use of these buses has reduced emissions by 1,743 tonnes over 3.5 years. Schiphol also uses electric ground power units which provide aircraft with power on the ground, electric pushback trucks and solar-powered aircraft staircases.

The energy used by Schiphol is entirely generated by Dutch wind turbines. This results in an annual reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 114,400 tonnes. Energy is also generated from solar panels on the airport site. The roof of the new pier will feature 5,000 square metres of solar panels. Part of the gas is purchased from green sources, resulting in an annual reduction of CO2 emissions of 2,600 tonnes. The use of gas is reduced by initiatives such as heat and cold storage. Schiphol is compensating for the remaining emissions.

In 2018, CO2 emissions amounted to 0.48 kg per passenger. This represents a drop of 70% compared with 2017. Schiphol's total energy consumption also decreased by 4.5% in 2018, while the number of passengers rose by 3.7%.

Highest international level

Schiphol has been awarded level 3+ in the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation benchmark, which is the highest level. By means of this benchmark, ACI provides insight into how and to which extent airports worldwide are reducing their CO2 emissions.