Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) recently celebrated a significant milestone by achieving Level 2 (Reduction) Airport Carbon Accreditation for four major airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport (MIA), Eldoret International Airport (EIA), and Kisumu International Airport (KIA). This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Airports Council International (ACI), marks a critical step in KAA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

What is Airport Carbon Accreditation?

The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program is a globally recognised initiative that aids airports in measuring, managing, and reducing their carbon emissions. The carbon accreditation program currently includes 575 airports from 86 countries worldwide. These airports collectively manage 3.6 billion passengers annually, representing 54.5% of the global air passenger traffic.

KAA achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 1 in 2021 with the goal of becoming the greenest airport operator in Africa by 2022. Level 1 accreditation involves measuring or mapping an airport’s carbon footprint. It involves determining emission sources within the airport company’s operational boundary. After this, the next step is to calculate the annual carbon emissions. Finally, the company should compile a carbon footprint report.

By attaining Level 2, these four airports have demonstrated substantial progress in tracking and decreasing their carbon footprints. However, KAA is continuing. The authority is now setting its sights on achieving Level 3, which involves engaging third parties in carbon footprint reduction by widening the footprint scope to include third-party emissions.

How You Can Help

KAA has acknowledged that reaching this higher level of accreditation will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including passengers. A spokesperson from KAA mentioned that they are currently gathering data on the modes of transport passengers use to access the airports. This information is essential for accurately calculating overall carbon emissions and devising further strategies to mitigate environmental impact.

KAA urges travellers to participate in a brief, confidential survey to facilitate this. The survey aims to collect detailed information on passengers’ transportation choices for refining airport sustainability strategies. The spokesperson emphasised the importance of public participation, stating that every piece of information contributes to a larger goal of making Kenya’s airports greener and more efficient.

Achieving Level 3 accreditation demonstrates KAA’s dedication to environmental stewardship and enhances the travel experience. This achievement will reduce air travel’s environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Bagging Level 3 will not be a walk in the park. That does not mean it is impossible. By engaging in this initiative, you help KAA in its carbon reduction journey. You also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. These efforts can lead to significant environmental benefits for Kenya.