Sharjah Airport Strengthens Sustainability with Level 4 Carbon Accreditation
Sharjah Airport has reached a significant milestone by attaining Level 4 accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, overseen by Airports Council International (ACI). This achievement, announced during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 12 to 14, 2026, underscores the airport’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate action.
The Level 4 accreditation reflects Sharjah Airport’s efforts to align its carbon management strategies with global climate objectives. This includes implementing absolute emissions reductions and enhancing collaboration with various partners within the airport ecosystem, contributing to the aviation industry’s collective response to climate change.
Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasized the importance of this achievement. He stated that attaining Level 4 accreditation demonstrates the airport’s dedication to integrating sustainability into all operational facets. This level mandates that airports not only achieve absolute emissions reductions but also foster collaboration among stakeholders to amplify the impact of environmental initiatives.
Al Midfa further noted that this milestone aligns with the UAE’s vision and the Emirate of Sharjah’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative. He highlighted ongoing projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy, and introducing innovative measures to reduce emissions while maintaining operational excellence.
Leading Global Framework
The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is recognized as the leading global framework for carbon management in the aviation sector. Al Midfa pointed out that Sharjah Airport’s advancement to Level 4 is a testament to the success of its long-term climate strategy, which is founded on innovation, collaboration, and effective partnerships. This progression further solidifies the airport’s status as a model for sustainability among regional airports.
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, congratulated Sharjah Airport on achieving Level 4 accreditation. He remarked that this accomplishment positions the airport as a leader in efficient carbon management and reflects a strong commitment to building a sustainable future. Baronci noted that this achievement aligns with the industry’s collective vision of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
A Journey Through Accreditation Levels
Sharjah Airport’s journey within the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme began in 2014 when it achieved Level 1 (Mapping), becoming one of the first airports in the region to join the initiative. In 2016, the airport progressed to Level 2 (Reduction) by implementing various energy efficiency measures, including the installation of LED lighting systems, upgrading air conditioning systems, and integrating solar energy across multiple facilities.
By 2018, Sharjah Airport attained Level 3 (Optimisation) by extending emissions management to include partners within the airport community, such as airlines and ground handling service providers. This involved adopting more efficient energy and resource management practices.
In 2020, Sharjah Airport became the first airport in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the second in the Middle East to achieve carbon neutrality at Level 3+ (Neutrality). This was accomplished by offsetting unavoidable emissions through support for certified carbon-reduction projects.
A New Milestone in Environmental Commitment
Achieving Level 4 marks a pivotal moment in Sharjah Airport’s environmental journey. This transition signifies a shift from carbon neutrality to a focus on delivering absolute and sustainable emissions reductions in collaboration with partners across its integrated ecosystem.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, launched by ACI Europe in 2009 and expanded to the Asia-Pacific region in 2011, provides airports with a structured framework to measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions across seven levels of accreditation. This ranges from emissions mapping to achieving a NetZero carbon balance and fostering partnership-driven climate action.
With the attainment of Level 4 accreditation, Sharjah Airport reinforces its position as one of the leading airports in the region for sustainable aviation. This achievement contributes to global efforts to combat climate change while ensuring a responsible and efficient travel experience that meets the highest international standards.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-06-10 22:00:00 • By the Editorial Desk
