Global ESG Reporting Standard for Airports
Airports Council International (ACI) World selects NACO and To70 to develop global airport ESG reporting framework.
Airports are confronted with a persistent challenge: they must invest in infrastructure to accommodate the ever-growing demand for air travel while ensuring that any new projects are economically sustainable, promote inclusivity, and demonstrate a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility in their design, construction, and operation.
The creation of this worldwide ESG framework will build upon the ACI World ESG Management Best Practice and the efforts of various ACI regional entities, underscoring the aviation industry's heightened focus on ESG reporting.
Furthermore, it will provide support for the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, which is the sole globally recognised certification initiative for carbon management in airports.
The overarching objective of this global ESG framework is to furnish airports with an institutionalised structure for governance, compliance, and stewardship, taking into account the diverse legal and regulatory requirements that vary from country to country and region to region.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General at ACI World, expressed his optimism about the project, stating, "This initiative equips airports with a valuable resource for ESG reporting. We are pleased to have trusted industry experts engaged in consolidating and harmonising reporting mechanisms utilised across various regions. With the backing of our members and influential figures in the financial community, they will craft a comprehensive and enduring framework for the sector."
Esther Kromhout, Director at NACO, shared the consultancy's enthusiasm about their appointment, saying, "ESG has rightfully assumed a pivotal role on the agendas of airports and institutions worldwide. We are honoured to lead the development of this framework, which will provide all airports with the necessary guidance to genuinely integrate, assess, and monitor ESG aspects in their operations."
Ruud Ummels, Director at To70, discussed their role in the project, emphasising the importance of addressing airport decarbonisation within the broader ESG context. He remarked, "Efforts to reduce carbon emissions at airports must align with leading ESG frameworks. By bridging the gap between carbon reduction roadmaps and a specialised standard for ESG reporting in airports, we will enable airports to secure the green investments required to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050 or even earlier."
In the second phase of the project, the NACO and To70 team will create an ESG framework for Hamad International Airport and Kigali International Airport. These airports will serve as a pilot, allowing for further refinement of the ESG Global Framework before it is made available for broader implementation.
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Source: ACI
