Helsinki Airport Achieves Net Zero Emissions Under Airport Carbon Accreditation

Finavia, the Finnish airport company, has officially achieved net zero carbon emissions for operations at Helsinki Airport, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s sustainability journey. This accomplishment has been verified through the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which has been in place since 2011. Helsinki Airport is now certified at Level 5, the highest level in the program, which is a testament to its comprehensive efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Reaching the Highest Standards in Airport Carbon Management

To achieve Level 5, an airport must reduce 90% of its Scope 1 and 2 emissions and commit to reaching net zero in Scope 3 emissions by 2050. Helsinki Airport joins an exclusive group of just 20 airports worldwide that have attained this status, including five of Finavia’s airports.

Kirsi Pitkäranta, Finavia’s Vice President of Sustainability, stated: “Reaching net zero carbon emissions is an ambitious climate goal. Helsinki Airport’s achievement of net zero under Airport Carbon Accreditation reflects our commitment to reducing aviation-related emissions. We are proud to be among the leading airports driving this change.”

Transitioning to Renewable Energy

A major part of Helsinki Airport’s success in achieving net zero emissions comes from its transition to 100% renewable energy sources. This includes switching to CO2-free energy for its infrastructure, such as apron and runway lighting, building heating and ventilation, as well as for vehicles and maintenance equipment.

Pitkäranta further explained: “By switching entirely to renewable or CO2-free energy, we have managed to bring our carbon emissions as close to zero as is technically and economically feasible.”

A Long-Term Vision for Sustainability

Helsinki Airport has been carbon neutral since 2017 and has now taken the next step in achieving net zero emissions. This milestone places the airport at the forefront of sustainable aviation practices, a role that is likely to influence other airports worldwide.

Henri Hansson, Senior Vice President at Finavia, emphasized: “We are extremely proud of our long-term efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Our goal is for all 20 Finavia airports to achieve net zero by the end of 2025. In addition, we are focused on achieving carbon negativity as part of our long-term climate program.”

Acknowledging Leadership in Sustainability

The achievement of Level 5 at Helsinki Airport was celebrated by Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, who commended Finavia's efforts: “Finavia is a true pioneer in building a more sustainable aviation ecosystem. Helsinki Airport, alongside four other Finavia airports, has achieved net zero emissions, demonstrating the airport’s commitment to fully decarbonizing by 2050.”

The Path to Carbon Negativity

Finavia's next goal is to become carbon negative, going beyond just reducing emissions to eliminating them completely. The company’s ambitious vision is to lead the way in creating a sustainable aviation ecosystem, reducing emissions not only in operations but also through collaboration with airlines and air navigation services to achieve industry-wide decarbonization.