KAA receives Level 3 certification in carbon accreditation for four airports

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has achieved a level 3 certification from the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme for four airports as they make gains to reduce their carbon footprint in the aviation sector.

KAA received the ACA Level 3 certification for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport (MIA), Eldoret International Airport (EIA), and Kisumu International Airport (KIA).

The programme provides a framework and tool for active carbon management in airports, covering the operational activities that contribute most to carbon emissions.

In a statement on Wednesday, KAA said the achievement has played a pivotal role in placing the airports among an elite group in East and Central Africa.

"The ACA Level 3 certification reflects KAA's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and its strategic goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, with a long-term aim of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050," read the statement in part.

KAA Managing Director and CEO Henry Ogoye noted that the achievement is a testament to the institution's commitment to implementing sustainable practices across the nation's airports.

ACA programme has a 7-level accreditation model which includes Level I (Mapping; to determine emission sources), Level 2 (Reduction of Carbon emission), Level 3 (Optimisation of third party engagement in carbon footprint reduction and Level 3+ (Maintaining neutrality by offsetting remaining carbon emissions).

Others include Level 4 (Transformation of airport operations to achieve total emissions reductions), Level 4+ (Transition; airports are required to compensate for their remaining carbon emissions by offsetting) and Level 5 is the top level where airports align with the broader Net Zero commitments of the sector. 

KAA acquired Level 1 in 2021 and Level 2 in 2023. It has since implemented a series of initiatives aimed at fulfilling the requirements for Level 3 certification.

The authority added that they have introduced a range of effective green initiatives at JKIA to underscore its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

These initiatives include the development of energy-efficient infrastructure, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and robust waste reduction programs.

ACA is the only institutionally endorsed global carbon management certification program for airports. It independently assesses and recognizes the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through the certification levels.