The airport has received the certificate for the second year running. The requirements revolve around the airportʼs ability to offset the CO2 emissions generated over the course of its operation.

The accreditation was confirmed by ACI Europe (the European organization of Airports Council International), with an official certificate issued following an environmental audit of the airport. The strict environmental requirements are met by only 39 airports in Europe, located mostly in Scandinavia and Italy. 

The program itself was started six years ago, at which time the carbon footprint of Ferenc Liszt International Airport was first measured, with the per-passenger limit value and the targeted rate of reduction defined afterwards.

“Since the commencement of the program, we have managed to decrease CO2 emissions per passenger at Ferenc Liszt International Airport by close to 50%, and we are delighted to have been able to ensure the cooperation of our partners at the airport, too,” noted Gábor Szarvas, environmental director of Budapest Airport, operator of Ferenc Liszt International.

The airport once again attributes the gaining of the certificate to a series of energy-saving measures. The company made sure that electric vehicles are used in an increasing number of areas by other companies operating at the airport, that the heat insulation of multiple hangars and other buildings is enhanced, and that its water network and water consumption are optimized.

Furthermore, Budapest Airport has also purchased so-called carbon credits produced by a Chinese wind power station project, contributing to the worldwide battle against climate change, claims the press release.

Szarvas also noted that the planning of further major steps is underway, as in comparison with the emissions of 1.67 kg CO2/passenger and cargo measured at the 2016 base level, a further 10% reduction is planned to be achieved over the next three years.

For the three-year period between 2019 and 2021, Budapest Airport has announced that it will decrease its CO2 emissions per passenger by 10% compared to the 2016 level. In order to secure success, the airport – via its Greenairport Program – is cooperating with Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air, ground handling companies, and other commercial and logistics partners.

In addition, some state-run service providers have also joined the initiative, such as air traffic control service provider HungaroControl, the airport unit of the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), and the on-airport International Postal Exchange facility of the Hungarian Post Office.