Leeds Bradford Airport Reaches Sustainability Milestone with Level 4 of Airport Carbon Accreditation

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has officially achieved Level 4 status in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme, marking a significant step forward in the airport’s evolution into a modern, responsible, and future-ready gateway for Yorkshire.

The achievement is part of a core pillar of LBA’s recently launched ‘Together for Tomorrow’ strategy, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap to reach Net Zero carbon emissions for airport operations by 2030.

The Level 4 accreditation signifies a fundamental shift in how an airport manages its carbon footprint. Unlike previous levels that focus primarily on an airport’s own direct emissions, Level 4 requires airports to align their carbon management with the targets of the Paris Agreement and actively drive emissions reductions from third-party partners, including airlines, ground handlers, and transport providers.

The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, owned and governed by ACI EUROPE, is the only global certification scheme for airports focused on carbon management.

It independently assesses how airports measure, manage and reduce their CO₂ emissions, providing a robust and internationally recognised framework. With seven progressive levels, airports work step-by-step towards achieving Net Zero, with each level representing greater ambition and impact.

Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive Officer of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“Achieving Level 4 accreditation is a powerful validation of the work we are doing through our Together for Tomorrow strategy. It isn’t just about what we do within our own terminal walls; it’s about our role as a leader in the regional economy. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to transforming the way we operate and collaborating deeply with our partners to ensure that the future of aviation in Yorkshire is sustainable.”

Together for Tomorrow is built upon four key pillars, each featuring specific targets and measurable actions:

• Destination: Net Zero: LBA is committed to reaching Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Key actions include removing all gas from the terminal and generating energy through onsite renewable technologies. The airport is also part of a consortium leading a £1.5 million government-backed study into Power-to-Liquid Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• Protecting Yorkshire: The airport is aiming for 10% of passengers to use public transport to and from the site and has introduced 100% Hybrid FLYER bus services. LBA has also partnered with the Aire Resilience Company to enhance regional biodiversity and continues to divert 100% of its waste from landfill.
• Connecting Communities: LBA will ensure at least 35% of its annual spend remains within local postcodes and has committed to creating a foundation to support local charitable causes.
• Putting People First: The strategy champions diversity, equity, and wellbeing, with a target of 10% of employees utilising annual volunteer time by 2030. LBA is also implementing a specialised Mental Health Programme with trained first aiders to support its workforce.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, added:

“Congratulations to the entire Leeds Bradford Airport team on the achievement of Level 4 within Airport Carbon Accreditation. This level of accreditation means the airport’s carbon management strategy and practices are fully aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. At Level 4, Leeds Bradford Airport is also working even more closely with all the companies carrying out their activities on the airport site to drive decarbonisation across the board. With concrete steps in place to reduce their own carbon footprint such as on-site renewable energy generation, the airport is setting a clear path towards net zero emissions under its control by 2030. Keep up the good work!”

The achievement of Level 4 comes as LBA is making significant progress on LBA:REGEN, its most transformative period in decades including a fundamental transformation and extension of the terminal building and £200m of private investment in the region. Level 4 accreditation serves as the foundation for LBA’s next phase of growth –  one defined by environmental responsibility and a commitment to the “Together for Tomorrow” vision.

For more information on the “Together for Tomorrow” strategy and LBA’s commitment to a sustainable future, please visit the Leeds Bradford Airport website at leedsbradfordairport.co.uk.