Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 28 October 2024: Dubai International (DXB) has reached a significant sustainability milestone, being awarded the prestigious Level 4 “Transformation” accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme. This achievement places DXB among the top 5% of airports worldwide in terms of carbon emission reductions as of September 2024, underscoring the airport’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The “Transformation” level is granted to airports that not only achieve absolute emissions reductions but also drive systemic change by collaborating with stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem. This recognition aligns with Dubai Airports’ dedication to supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy, as the airport continues to minimize its environmental impact and adopt cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, celebrated the achievement, saying, “Reaching Level 4 ‘Transformation’ accreditation highlights our unwavering commitment to making sustainability a core part of our operations. This recognition showcases not only our success in reducing our own carbon footprint but also the collective effort of our partners in achieving broader, systemic change across the industry.”

He added, “Sustainability is not just a checkbox for us – it is a long-term strategy that involves constant collaboration and innovation. By setting a new standard in airport operations, we aim to lead by example and play our part in helping Dubai and the UAE achieve Net Zero by 2050.”

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, congratulated DXB on its achievement, stating, “Dubai Airports has set a remarkable benchmark for the region, demonstrating a strong commitment to carbon management and sustainability. The airport’s leadership is an inspiration for others and contributes to the aviation industry’s collective goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

DXB has made significant strides through various initiatives designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation. A key project includes the partnership with dnata and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) to convert dnata’s non-electric airside fleet to a biodiesel blend, resulting in an annual reduction of over 3,500 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Additionally, Dubai Airports has partnered with Etihad Energy Services to improve energy efficiency with building and lighting retrofits and solar integration. A collaboration with BEEAH Group has also helped reduce landfill waste by 60%, thanks to an innovative food waste treatment plan. DXB has further optimized aircraft taxiing through the ‘Follow the Greens’ system, cutting fuel consumption and emissions. The airport also plays an active role in the Airports of Tomorrow initiative, a global collaboration aimed at driving the aviation industry towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The newly launched oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a network of airport partners, is also pushing forward with over 180 potential decarbonisation projects, solidifying DXB’s commitment to driving sustainability across the airport community.

Achieving the Level 4 ACI Accreditation further solidifies Dubai International’s position as a global leader in sustainability, setting a benchmark for other airports to follow as they work toward decarbonizing operations and contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.

– Qantara (c) 2024