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 taking responsibility for the airport’s climate impact by reducing emissions from our 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 actively working to reduce emission from its own operations while supporting the broader transition of the aviation sector – based on the accreditation through Airport Council International Europe's Airport Carbon Accrediation program

Our goals in the sustainable transition:

  • By the end of 2021, Aalborg Airport must be a certified level 2 airport.
  • By the end of 2025, Aalborg Airport must be a certified level 3+ airport.
  • By 2030, Aalborg Airport must be Net Zero in its own operation (Scope 1 and 2).
  • By 2050, Aalborg Airport, including air traffic to and from the airport, must be CO2-neutral in line with ACI Europe's Net Zero commitment.

 

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 offers airports an official certification from levels 1 to 5.

  • To achieve level-1 certification, one must identify one's emission sources and register one's CO2 emissions.
     
  • In order to obtain level-2 certification, you must also be able to demonstrate a decrease in CO2 emissions over a 3-year period, as well as show that you have a CO2 policy and that you are actively working with CO2 reduction.
     
  • In order to achieve level-3 certification, one must also compensate for the airport's remaining CO2 emissions in scope 1, scope 2 and business travel, using credible and approved climate credits.
     
  • In order to achieve level-3+ certification, one must also compensate for the airport's remaining CO2 emissions, using credible and approved climate credits.
     
  • In order to achieve level-4 certification, one must also define a long-term strategy for reducing emission aligned with the Paris Agreement. You must also be able to prove that the airport actively drives third parties to reduce their CO2 emissions.
     
  • In order to achieve level-4+ certification, one must also compensate for the airport's remaining CO2 emissions in scope 1, scope 2 and business travel, using credible and approved climate credits.
     
  • In order to achieve level 5 certification, one must also maintain a Net Zero balance on scopes 1 and 2 and actively addressing Scope 3 emissions, strengthening approach to third party engagement and offset removals for residual emissions with 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.

Aalborg Airport's emissions data and long-term strategy for reducing emissions were externally audited in the summer of 2026 by an consultant from Price Waterhouse Cooper in Copenhagen. He has signed a declaration that the emission data is correct, and the strategy and reduction target meet the requirements for the ACA-certification. 

Aalborg Airport's Environmental Policy

Aalborg Airport is committed to protecting and improving the environment, because a responsible approach to the environment that surrounds us is a value that is supported by all employees and stakeholders. Every day, Aalborg Airport strives to ensure that our environmental performance is effective and that Aalborg Airport reduce the environmental impact of the activities.

See the airport's environmental policy

Aalborg Airport’s Stakeholder Policy

Aalborg Airport acknowledges its responsibility towards society and the environment, and this commitment obliges the airport to operate as a sustainable and socially responsible business. Through close collaboration with employees, partners, and other stakeholders, Aalborg Airport aims to contribute to the local community and continuously improve 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 actively been replacing all our lighting with LED technology since 2021. By 2024, 99% of the light sources have been switched to LED. This applies to the terminal, parking areas, runway, and the apron. Between 2018 and 2025, Aalborg Airport achieved a 10,8% reduction in electricity consumption. 
     
  • In 2021 Aalborg Airport had 22 electrical power stands able at the parking spaces in the passenger parking lot. Aalborg Airport had an additional 10 electrical power stands in 2022 and 10 power stands in 2023, so the change to 42 stands is an increase of 91% in two years.
     
  • Ongoing replacement of operational equipment with electric alternatives (59% of operational equipment is powered by electricity in 2025). We will always strive to use electrical equipment whenever possible to be more efficient.
     
  • Aalborg Airport have implemented parking spaces with the possibility to charge E-powered vehicle for the car rental companies. This is to meet the car rental companies' desire to rent out more electric cars. These stands are implanted in July 2023.
     
  • In 2020/2021 Aalborg Airport had an energy screening of the entire airport, which enable us to determine where our scope 1 and 2 emissions can be optimized and made more efficient. This report has given an insight into which improvements and investments we could make to reduce our CO2 emissions.  Based on this report, Aalborg Airport has purchased an electric flight staircase in 2021. Other investments are underway.
     
  • Focus on material reuse to promote the circular economy.
     
  • Aalborg Airport's scope 2 emission sources have been identified as electricity and district heating, and the expenditure data is recorded in the cloud solution EnergyKey. Aalborg Airport has integrated all of its electricity and district heating meters into the program. This cloud solution allows us to monitor our consumption on an hourly basis. It also allows us to set alarms if our consumption changes significantly.
     
  • IT equipment that needs to be replaced, is defective, or no longer serves the airport is sent to T1A Enterprise A/S, which recycles as much as possible.

     
  • Aalborg Airport has an email address to which employees can submit sustainable proposals. Incoming suggestions are discussed on an ongoing basis.
     
  • Aalborg Airport is in collaboration with Port of Aalborg, Aalborg University and Shell (amongst others) in a low carbon fuels projects, which will enable Aalborg Airport to supply their operating aircrafts with sustainable aviation fuel. Aalborg Airport is in another collaboration to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel Fjord PtX with Nordværk, Aalborg Forsyning and CIP. In 2024, Aalborg Airport entered a partnership with SAS, CIP, and Copenhagen Airport, aiming to create a united front to support Danish production of sustainable aviation fuel.
     
  • Aalborg Airport is represented in various partnerships, where we work together with different industries towards a more sustainable business development.
     
  • Aalborg Airport has improved the sorting facilities throughout the terminal. New sorting stations have been installed, enabling both passengers and airport employees to separate waste into the different fractions.
     
  • Aalborg Airport have purchased carbon credits within Denmark “The AgreenaCarbon Project” to cover scope 1 and 2 and business travel. The AgreenaCarbon Project supports European farmers in transitioning to regenerative agriculture through sustainable land management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil fertility, and sequester carbon, enabled by a data-driven monitoring and incentive program. We still what an offset project in our own local area when it is possible.

  • Aalborg Airport continuously assesses whether there is a need to increase the capacity of parking spaces with charging stations for electric vehicles to meet passenger needs. A new charging station with 13 charging spots is under development and is expected to be ready for use in 2026. In this regard, 3 charging spots will be reserved for taxi charging. We are in dialog with the taxi companies to inform them that we want to support the transition towards a more electric fleet.
     
  • Aalborg Airport will maintain ongoing dialogue with the car rental companies to accommodate the increasing demand for electric vehicle rentals and the potential need for additional charging stations.
     
  • Have only electricity powered Ground Service Equipment (59% is electricity powered in 2025). Changing from a fuel-powered to an electric-powered engine does not happen at any price. It must be done with care. We do not throw away anything that still works or can be reused in another context. If it cannot be repaired or recycled, it will be replaced with an electric powered motor. 
     
  • Aalborg Airport must regularly report our climate accounts to both our bank and the Board of Directors.
     
  • Aalborg Airport continuously work to reduce our emissions as much as possible. For the emission that we cannot reduce from, Aalborg Airport plan to compensate with an offset project. Aalborg Airport want to to support local projects, which have documented climate effects. 
     
  • Aalborg Airport are currently exploring alternative solutions to reduce our energy consumption, including initiatives focused on improved heat utilisation, energy efficiency, and more efficient use of resources.

The Aviation Climate Partnership

A comprehensive plan for the sustainable transformation of aviation.

Aalborg Airport is part of the Aviation Climate Partnership, where the desire is to contribute positively to transforming aviation into a sustainable form of transport.

The plan, consisting of 33 concrete initiatives, aims to meet Denmark's goal of a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions from domestic aviation. But the partnership strives even further and aims to make 30% of the jet fuel used by planes departing from Danish airports in 2030 free of climate-damaging emissions using biogas, wind turbine power and CO2 capture. The goal is to create a competitive Danish aviation sector with lower CO2 emissions that can compete on an equal footing with aviation in Asia, the USA and the EU. The idea is that sustainable aviation must be a decisive competitive parameter, and this is the core of the climate fund and the Aviation Climate Partnership.

The aviation sector in Denmark, in collaboration with experts and organisations, has drawn up an action plan that will promote the transformation of aviation. This also paves the way for the ambition that Aalborg Airport must achieve zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

With the Climate Partnership's recommendations, Denmark and Danish companies can become global role models for a real restructuring of aviation and other parts of the transport sector that cannot immediately be electrified. The partnership's action plan has the potential to create an export adventure that will strengthen Danish workplaces and cement Denmark's leading role 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 works continuously to reduce Aalborg Airport's CO2 emissions. Aalborg Airport has come a long way with, among other things, switching to LED lighting and to electric vehicles, but to maintain Level 4+, CO2 compensation is a necessity for the residual emissions in scope 1, scope 2 and business travel.

Aalborg Airport would like to support a local climate project located next to the airport – specifically on the island of Egholm. Under the name Egholm Park, more than half of the fields have now been converted into sustainable natural areas, which will particularly enhance biodiversity and the natural experience on the island.

The project has been initiated, but its climate impact has not been accounted for until it has been verified by independent consultants and certified under a recognized 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 has optimal conditions. Based on hundreds of samples, the soil for Egholm Park has been analyzed to investigate the potential for carbon build-up and CO2 absorption. The expectation is for at least 27,000 tonnes of CO2 absorption over a 10-year period. At the same time, the airport ensures cooperation on an appropriate management of the area, where the airport's applicable obligations and legal requirements regarding flight safety are taken into account.

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