DECEMBER 2022AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM19Level 2 Reduction: Emissions reduction target, carbon management plan and annual reductionsLevel 3 Optimisation: Engagement of 3rd parties and measurement of their emissions through a stakeholder engagement planLevel 3+ Neutrality: Level 3 requirements plus offsetting of residual Scope 1 and 2 emissionsLevel 4 Transformation: Extended carbon footprint, absolute emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement, and enhanced 3rd party engagementLevel 4+ Transition: Level 4 requirements plus offsetting of residual Scope 1 and 2 emissionsSince 2014, ACI Latin America and Caribbean member airports have been able to get Airport Carbon Accreditation. Currently, there are 28 airports certified in level 1, 18 in level 2, and 8 in level 3, and 3 airports certified in level 3+, which is the highest level reached by any Latin American and Caribbean Airport so far. Puerto Vallarta Airport, part of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, was a pioneer in Latin America as the first airport to participate in the program entering level 1 in 2014. In 2022, Puerto Vallarta Airport continues to be a pioneer, seeking level 3 accreditation along with Guadalajara International Airport and Aguascalientes International Airport, which would make them the first airports in Mexico to reach this level. We have faced challenges in developing our carbon management; once we developed our first carbon inventory, striving for the next levels of commitment was natural, and the first hurdle was reduction actions. Defining a reduction strategy has many factors, including budgeting, legal feasibility, and technological advancements. Year-by-year, reduction strategies were implemented centered on reducing fossil fuel and electricity use, renewal of the vehicular fleet, the substitution of aging and obsolete equipment, automatization of HVAC and lighting equipment, and benefiting from the sunlight we receive, solar photovoltaic panels.In 2022, we faced our next challenge, stakeholder engagement and a scope 1, 2, and 3 inventory. Communication is key as different stakeholders have different levels of carbon management. As airport operators, we work with airlines, authorities, tenants, car rentals, travel agencies, FBOs, passengers, and many others. After months of work, we are on our way to level 3 accreditation.But, in response to climate change, decarbonization might not be enough; the aviation industry is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We face physical risks such as changing weather patterns, increase in extreme weather events, droughts and floods. Regulatory risks from changing legal frameworks to implement decarbonization actions, and even reputational, as increased social scrutiny discourages flying.We cannot ignore these risks, and we have a responsibility to act in our best capacity to face them. Implement resilience measures in response to physical risks, and adapt our management systems to ensure compliance with global commitments. As airport operators, we have the responsibility to ensure the safety and sustainability of the infrastructure required for aviation, but everyone involved must participate. AIRPORT CARBON ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME IS DESIGNED FOR ALL AIRPORTS ON DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CARBON MANAGEMENT AND COMMITMENT WITH ITS 6 LEVELS OF ACCREDITATIONMiguel Marquez
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