Ammon News - As part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint
AMMONNEWS – For the first time in the Airport’s history, Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) has become Airport Carbon Accredited. QAIA achieved the ‘Mapping’ level of the programme during a presentation ceremony that was held at the Gala Dinner of the ACI Europe/ World Annual Congress & Exhibition on 11th June, 2013 in Turkey. The ‘Mapping’ level recognizes the airport’s commitment in determining its CO2 and other greenhouse gas emission sources at its ‘operational boundary’, as well as in engaging a third party to verify the airport’s annual carbon footprint. QAIA is the second airport in the Middle East to become Airport Carbon Accredited following Abu Dhabi International Airport’s accreditation. Airport Carbon Accreditation was first launched by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe in 2009 and extended to ACI Asia-Pacific in November 2011, gaining the support of ICAO at that time. Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally-endorsed, carbon management certification standard for airports. It is a certification standard aimed at encouraging airports to tackle climate change through carbon management and developing a common framework for reducing their carbon emissions through measurable goal posts. The programme sets an innovative example of corporate leadership and responsible business practice in airport carbon emissions management and reduction.
“It is estimated that airport activities account for up to 5% of total aviation emissions, and we take our responsibility to the local community and the environment very seriously. This certification is evidence that Queen Alia International Airport is actively coordinating and streamlining its activities related to environmental protection,” said Kjeld Binger, CEO of Airport International Group (AIG) – the Jordanian company responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of QAIA. “We are committed to the accreditation process, and will continue to work towards higher levels until we finally achieve and maintain zero net carbon emissions.”
Mrs. Patti Chau, Regional Director of ACI Asia-Pacific, said, “I wish to congratulate Queen Alia International Airport on achieving the Mapping level in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme. It is encouraging to see the second airport accredited in the Middle East, which not only signifies the region’s growing interest in the programme, but which also demonstrates the determination of the airports in their efforts to attain environmental sustainability.”
AIG is ISO 14001 certified as an organization committed to green operations. As such, QAIA embraces a number of key eco-friendly qualities and operates in accordance with an environmental management plan and a waste management plan.