Düsseldorf Airport has reached Level 4 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme for the first time, expanding its climate strategy to include emissions from airlines and other companies operating at the airport. The certification recognises the airport’s progress towards climate neutrality by 2035. Düsseldorf says it has reduced emissions by about 80% from 2010 levels, exceeding the 2030 reduction target agreed by German airports.
Level 4 requires airports to account systematically for Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse-gas emissions and to establish an absolute emissions-reduction target aligned with the Paris Agreement. The assessment therefore extends beyond the airport’s direct operations to emissions generated by business partners, including airlines. Other greenhouse gases, such as refrigerant losses from air-conditioning systems, are included through their carbon-dioxide equivalent values.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme was launched by ACI Europe in 2009 and assesses emissions across the airport site, including those caused by third parties. Düsseldorf’s measures include expanding renewable-energy generation and gradually replacing its vehicle fleet with alternative-drive vehicles. The airport’s climate programme also targets a 65% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon-dioxide emissions by 2030; its reported 2024 emissions were already 78% below the 2010 baseline.