Kenya Airports Authority Achieves Level 3 Carbon Accreditation for Four Airports
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has achieved Level 3 certification under the Airport Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program for four of its airports. These include Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport (MIA) in Mombasa, Eldoret International Airport (EIA), and Kisumu International Airport (KIA).
This marks KAA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its strategic goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, with a long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Level 3 certification, known as Optimization focuses on stakeholder engagement and optimizing efforts to reduce carbon emissions across airport operations.
About Airport Carbon Accreditation
The Airport Carbon Accreditation program is the world’s only institutionally endorsed carbon management certification for airports. It independently assesses and recognizes efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions. The program consists of seven levels of certification: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Neutrality, Transformation, Transition, and Level 5.
Also read: JKIA Wins Africa’s Leading Airport 2024
KAA began its journey with ACA Level 1 (Mapping) in 2021, which involved identifying and understanding carbon emission sources. In 2023, the authority achieved Level 2 (Reduction), which required implementing measures to reduce emissions. Building on this progress, KAA has now fulfilled the rigorous requirements for Level 3 certification by adopting various green initiatives at its airports.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction programs have been implemented to cut carbon emissions significantly.
Moi International Airport (MIA) has adopted solar energy and LED lighting, alongside regular maintenance of equipment to ensure energy efficiency.
Kisumu International Airport (KIA) stands out for its solar-powered streetlights and the construction of an environmentally friendly terminal building, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Eldoret International Airport (EIA) has enhanced its sustainability measures by replacing mercury vapor streetlights with LED fittings and installing solar bollard lights in its concourse area.
Speaking about the achievement, KAA Acting Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Henry Ogoye, said:
“We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone, which underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability within the aviation sector. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and stakeholders who have collaborated to implement sustainable practices across our airports.”
KAA is determined to pursue higher levels of accreditation as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.