Aalborg Airport - a Journey to Reduce CO2 Emissions

At Aalborg Airport, systematic efforts are taking place to reduce our CO2 emissions, through the international carbon management program Airport Carbon Accrediation. A focus is set on measuring and reducing emissions from the airport's operations – from the parking lot to the boarding stairs.

Every day, Aalborg Airport is the starting point for many passengers' journeys. They put their start of the journey in our hands and they expect a great travel experience. It commits and requires that we provide the best possible service every single day. An important part of that service is being an airport that keeps pace with developments and works systematically to map and reduce emissions from its own operations

Whether a passenger takes the car or train to the airport, goes to a business meeting in Copenhagen or spends a week in the sun on Mallorca, Aalborg Airport is committed to reducing emissions from its own operations. In addition, we take part in collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing emissions across the aviation value chain – based on the accreditation through Airport Council International Europe's Airport Carbon Accrediation program

Our climate goals:

  • Level 2 certified airport: achieved on 10 November 2021 through Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA).
  • Level 3+ certified airport: achieved in January 2026 through ACA.
  • By 2030, Aalborg Airport aims to achieve Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This target applies to the airport’s own operations and does not include aircraft operations. Progress is monitored through ongoing ACA certification.

Certificate of Accreditation

On November 10, 2021, Aalborg Airport achieved level-2 certification and thus met the partial goal of achieving this level during 2021.

In January 2024, Aalborg Airport achieved a level-3 certification, covering systematic reduction of CO2 emissions and an important step to achieve level 3+ in 2025. 

In January 2026, Aalborg Airport achieved a level 3+ certification. The airport continues to work systematically to further reduce CO2 emissions and has purchased carbon credits to offset emissions from scope 1, scope 2 and business travel.

In July 2026, Aalborg Airport achieved a level 4+ certification, which recognizes a greater level of stakeholder engagement, the development of a long-term emission reduction strategy aligned with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement, and offsetting the residual emission from scope 1, scope 2 and business travel with carbon credits. 

The certification must be renewed annually based on current CO2-reducing standards.

Airport Carbon Accreditation
- A systematic work with CO2 reduction

In the efforts to contribute to the transition of the aviation sector, Aalborg Airport has decided to structure the work with CO2 reduction based on the internationally recognized carbon management program for airports, Airport Carbon Accreditation. This program is specifically aimed at airports that want to reduce their CO2 emissions and thus make a difference to the climate.

Airport Carbon Accreditation is used by many airports worldwide and offers the airports a structured framework for how to work with CO2 reduction. Among other things, the program allows the airports to identify the following:

  • The airport's emission sources
  • Mapping of the airport's CO2 emissions
  • Processes for managing and reducing CO2 emissions
  • Processes for engaging and cooperating with third parties in reducing CO2 emissions. 
  • Contributes to the transition of the aviation sector. 

Airport Carbon Accreditation is an international certification programme for airport carbon management, established by ACI EUROPE, with accreditation levels ranging from 1 to 5.

Learn more about Airport Carbon Accreditation

  • To achieve Level 1 certification, an airport must identify its emission sources and measure and record its CO₂ emissions.

  • To achieve Level 2 certification, the airport must also be able to demonstrate a reduction in CO₂ emissions over a three-year period, as well as show that it has a CO₂ policy in place and is actively working to reduce its CO₂ emissions.

  • To achieve Level 3 certification, the airport must quantify relevant Scope 3 emissions in accordance with the boundaries defined by the ACA programme and collaborate with relevant stakeholders on emission reductions.

  • To achieve Level 3+ certification, the airport must also compensate for its remaining CO₂ emissions from Scope 1, Scope 2 and business travel by using credible and approved carbon credits that meet the requirements of the ACA programme.

  • To achieve Level 4 certification, the airport must also define a long-term climate strategy for absolute emission reductions in line with the Paris Agreement. In addition, the airport must be able to demonstrate that it actively encourages and supports third parties in reducing their CO₂ emissions.

  • To achieve Level 4+ certification, the airport must also compensate for its remaining CO₂ emissions from Scope 1, Scope 2 and business travel by using credible and approved carbon credits that meet the requirements of the ACA programme.

  • To achieve Level 5 certification, the airport must also maintain a Net Zero balance for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, while actively addressing Scope 3 emissions, strengthening its approach to engagement with third parties, and compensating for residual emissions through carbon credits.

Aalborg Airport has worked intensively to identify its emission sources, calculate the actual CO2 emissions, and been able to demonstrate a decrease in CO2 emissions for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

In addition, Aalborg Airport has laid out an ambitious climate strategy, which should eventually result in becoming Net Zero in own operations in scope 1 and 2.

In the summer of 2026, Aalborg Airport’s emissions data and long-term emissions reduction strategy were externally reviewed by an independent consultant from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Copenhagen. The consultant confirmed that Aalborg Airport’s carbon accounting, reduction strategy and emissions reduction targets can be verified in accordance with the requirements of ACA Level 4+.

Aalborg Airport's Environmental Policy

Aalborg Airport is committed to protecting and improving the environment through a systematic approach to managing the airport’s significant environmental impacts, supported by all employees and stakeholders.

Every day, Aalborg Airport strives to ensure effective environmental performance and to reduce emissions resulting from its operations.

See the airport's environmental policy

Aalborg Airport’s Stakeholder Policy

Aalborg Airport recognises its responsibility towards society and the environment. This commits Aalborg Airport to being a sustainable and socially responsible company that takes concrete action in the areas of climate, the environment, employees and the local community, as described via the link below.

Through close collaboration with employees, business partners and other stakeholders, Aalborg Airport aims, among other things, to contribute positively to the local community and reduce its environmental impact.

Read more about Aalborg Airport´s stakeholder policy

 

CO2 Reduction Initiatives at Aalborg Airport

Presently and in the past years, Aalborg Airport has continuously implemented projects and measures, all of which have been aimed at reducing the airport's CO2 emissions.

Aalborg Airport has implemented the following measures:

  • Aalborg Airport has actively replaced lighting with LED technology since 2021. By the end of 2024, 99% of all light sources had been converted to LED. This applies to the terminal, parking areas, runway and apron. Between 2018 and 2025, Aalborg Airport achieved a 10.8% reduction in electricity consumption.
     
  • In 2021, Aalborg Airport had 22 electric vehicle charging points available in the passenger parking areas. A further 10 charging points were installed in 2022 and another 10 in 2023, bringing the total to 42 charging points. This represents an increase of 91% over two years.
     
  • Operational equipment is continuously being replaced with electric alternatives. In 2025, 59% of operational equipment was electrically powered. Aalborg Airport will continue to prioritise electric equipment wherever possible in order to improve efficiency.
     
  • In 2020/2021, Aalborg Airport carried out an energy assessment of the entire airport, making it possible to identify areas where Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions could be optimised and reduced. The assessment provided insight into the improvements and investments Aalborg Airport could make to reduce its CO₂ emissions. Based on the findings, Aalborg Airport purchased an electric aircraft boarding stairway in 2021.
     
  • Aalborg Airport focuses on reusing materials in order to support the circular economy. Materials and equipment are reused, repaired or recycled whenever technically feasible and safe to do so.
     
  • Aalborg Airport’s Scope 2 emission sources have been identified as electricity and district heating and are registered in the EnergyKey cloud-based solution. All electricity and district heating meters have been connected to the system. This cloud solution enables Aalborg Airport to monitor consumption on an hourly basis. Alerts can also be set up if consumption changes significantly.
     
  • IT equipment that is due for replacement, defective or no longer suitable for use at the airport is sent to T1A Enterprise A/S, which reuses and recycles as much of the equipment as possible.
     
  • A dedicated email address has been established where employees can submit suggestions for climate, environmental and resource-related initiatives. These suggestions are reviewed and discussed on an ongoing basis.
     
  • Charging facilities for electric vehicles have been established in parking areas used by car rental companies. This supports the car rental companies’ ambition to offer more electric vehicles. The charging points were installed in July 2023.
     
  • Aalborg Airport collaborates with Port of Aalborg, Aalborg University and Shell, among others, on a low-emission fuels project called CCU HUB, which explores opportunities for the future production and availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
     
  • Aalborg Airport also participates in another partnership supporting the development of sustainable aviation fuel, Fjord PtX, together with Nordværk, Aalborg Forsyning and CIP. In 2024, Aalborg Airport entered into a collaboration with SAS, CIP and Copenhagen Airport to support opportunities for Danish SAF production.
     
  • Aalborg Airport is represented in a number of partnerships involving collaboration across different industries to support more sustainable business development, including SAF production and charging infrastructure.
     
  • Waste sorting facilities in the terminal have been improved with new sorting stations, allowing both passengers and airport employees to separate waste into different waste fractions.
     
  • Aalborg Airport has purchased Danish carbon credits from “The AgreenaCarbon Project” to compensate for emissions from Scope 1, Scope 2 and business travel. The AgreenaCarbon Project supports European farmers in the transition to regenerative agriculture through sustainable land management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil fertility and sequester carbon, supported by a data-driven monitoring and incentive programme.

  • Aalborg Airport continuously assesses whether there is a need to increase the capacity of parking spaces with charging facilities for electric vehicles in order to meet passenger demand. A new charging station with 13 charging points is currently under construction and is expected to be ready for use in 2026. Three of the charging points will be reserved for taxis in order to support the transition to a larger number of electric taxis.
     
  • Aalborg Airport will maintain an ongoing dialogue with car rental companies in order to accommodate the increasing demand for electric vehicle rentals and any potential need for additional charging facilities.
     
  • Aalborg Airport aims to use only electrically powered Ground Service Equipment (GSE). In 2025, 59% of the equipment was electrically powered. The transition from fuel-powered to electrically powered equipment will not take place at any cost, but will be carried out carefully and responsibly. Equipment that is still functional, or that can be reused for another purpose, will not be discarded. If equipment can no longer be repaired or reused, it will be replaced with an electric alternative.
     
  • Aalborg Airport regularly reports its greenhouse gas emissions and climate accounts to both its bank and Board of Directors.
     
  • Aalborg Airport continuously works to optimise waste sorting both airside and landside in order to improve the utilisation and recovery of resources from waste.
     
  • Aalborg Airport continuously works to reduce its emissions. For the remaining quantified emissions from Scope 1, Scope 2 and business travel under ACA Level 4+, Aalborg Airport plans to compensate through the use of carbon credits. Aalborg Airport aims to support local projects with a documented climate impact.
     
  • Aalborg Airport is currently exploring alternative solutions to reduce energy consumption, with initiatives focusing on improving heat utilisation, increasing energy efficiency and making better use of resources.

The Aviation Climate Partnership

A comprehensive plan for the sustainable transformation of aviation.

Aalborg Airport is part of the Danish Aviation Climate Partnership, which aims to make a positive contribution to the transition of aviation towards a more sustainable form of transport.

The plan, consisting of 33 specific initiatives, aims to support Denmark’s target of reducing CO₂ emissions from domestic aviation by 70%. However, the partnership’s ambitions go even further, with a target for 30% of the aviation fuel used by aircraft departing from Danish airports in 2030 to be free from climate-impacting emissions through the use of biogas, wind-generated electricity and carbon capture.

The objective is to create a competitive Danish aviation sector with lower CO₂ emissions that can compete on equal terms with the aviation industries in Asia, the United States and the EU. The underlying idea is that sustainable aviation should become a key competitive parameter, which is at the heart of both the Climate Fund and the Danish Aviation Climate Partnership.

In collaboration with experts and organisations, the Danish aviation sector has developed an action plan to support the transition of aviation. This also helps pave the way for Aalborg Airport’s ambition to achieve net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.

By implementing the recommendations of the Climate Partnership, Denmark and Danish companies have the potential to become global role models for the transition of aviation and other parts of the transport sector that cannot readily be electrified. The Partnership’s action plan also has the potential to create new export opportunities, strengthen Danish jobs and reinforce Denmark’s leading position in the development and export of climate solutions.

The action plan focuses on four main initiatives:

  • Securing access to bio-based jet fuel: In order to promote supply and demand for bio-based fuels, investments must be made in the production of biofuel, possibly by introducing a national blending requirement. The goal is for 30% of the jet fuel refueled at Danish airports in 2030 to be bio-based.
     
  • National action plans for the supply chain: In order to enable the production of low CO2 footprint fuels such as biogas, green electricity and CO2 capture, it is crucial to establish national action plans. These plans must ensure the supply of green electricity for hydrogen production and CO2 capture. A comprehensive strategy for conversion and development of Power-to-X is also necessary. It is important that both private and public actors cooperate in order to achieve the ambitious goals for transformation.
     
  • The Aviation Climate Fund as a driving force for the demand for biofuel: The Aviation Climate Fund must support the market for biofuel by charging a climate tax of DKK 20-30 per passengers traveling from Danish airports. This tax must cover a large part of the price difference between fossil fuels and the less CO2-emitting alternatives. In doing so, the fund will contribute to creating demand for the more expensive biofuels in the aviation sector and promote increased production in the long term.
     
  • International commitment: Although a global CO2 tax, with revenues supporting aviation development, would be the most effective solution, it is unfortunately not imminent. It is therefore necessary for Denmark to take measures now, while at the same time continuing to work on finding international and European solutions.

Aalborg Airport is continuously working to reduce its carbon footprint and CO₂ emissions. The airport has already made significant progress, including the transition to LED lighting and electric vehicles. However, in order to maintain Level 4+ accreditation, climate compensation is necessary for the remaining residual emissions.

Aalborg Airport would like to support a climate project located right next to the airport, on the island of Egholm. Under the name Egholm Park, more than half of the island’s farmland has now been converted into permanent natural areas with the aim of improving conditions for biodiversity and enhancing opportunities for nature experiences on the island.

The project has been initiated, but its climate impact will not be included in the airport’s climate accounting until the project can be independently verified by consultants in accordance with an approved carbon credit standard.

To provide a clear understanding of Aalborg Airport’s CO2 emissions, this overview outlines Aalborg Airport’s GHG inventory, the baseline used to track our emission reduction progress, and the carbon credits retired to offset remaining emissions from Scope 1, Scope 2, and business travel. These elements help ensure a structured and systematic approach to managing and reducing our overall climate impact.

Read GHG inventory and retired credits

Egholm offers optimal conditions. Based on hundreds of soil samples, the land designated for Egholm Park has been analysed to assess its potential for carbon sequestration and CO₂ uptake.

A preliminary calculation estimates a potential CO₂ uptake of 27,000 tonnes over a ten-year period. This estimate has not yet been verified and is therefore not included in Aalborg Airport’s carbon accounting, ACA compensation, or carbon credits.

This presupposes, among other things, that the dykes up to the fjord are preserved and that the grasslands are grazed. The carbon build-up will be continuously monitored and analyzed throughout the period by independent consultants.

- Aalborg Airport connects North Jutland with the rest of the world, where direct flight connections and the development of the airport benefit the entire region - including the businesses. The ambitions and opportunities Egholm Park brings happen independently of the plans for the upcoming 3rd Limfjord connection, says the former chairman of Aalborg Airport's board of directors, Thomas Kastrup-Larsen.

Read more about the Egholm Partnership