Our Path to Net Zero
Ireland West Airport are currently part of the Airport Councils International (ACI) Carbon Accreditation Programme, which sets out a framework for airports to reduce and manage their carbon footprint. In 2019, the airport was awarded Eco Merit Certification, which recognises that the airport is operating in an environmentally responsible manner, with a continued focus on improving our environmental performance, reducing costs, and managing risk. The airport is currently progressing a sustainability and environmental strategy over the next 5-year period and working towards completing the ACI carbon accreditation programme to create an environmental green airport programme, reducing overall carbon emissions to achieve ‘net zero’ for its carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest.
Airport Carbon Accreditation
Airport Carbon Accreditation is the global standard for carbon management and emission reductions at airports. This certification programme, specifically designed for airports, has received widespread support and endorsements from both the EU and the UN agencies responsible for civil aviation (ICAO) and climate change (UNFCCC). Airport Carbon Accreditation is an annual certification programme and consequently requires an ongoing commitment to sustainability and continuous improvements from year to year.
In November 2024, the airport achieved level 3 accreditation ‘Optimisation’ in recognition of its exemplary work in reducing its carbon emissions and engaging other stakeholders to do the same, as part of the Global airport industry’s response to the challenge of climate change.
Sustainability initiatives
Over the past 3 years, the airport has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives, providing benefits to employees and the broader community.
- Upgrade of the airport’s Ground Operations Vehicles to a fleet of new, fully electric, zero-emissions vehicles
- Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) upgrade to the latest LED technology
- Upgrade of the IRVR equipment (Instrumented Runway Visual Range), significantly reducing time delays and fuel used
- Upgraded all terminal and external facility lighting to LED
- Upgrade of the Runway Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
- Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, which included a full building energy assessment and fabric audit, Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and production of a Climate Adaptation Plan
Working towards ‘Net Zero’ by 2050
Ireland West Airport recently lodged a planning application to develop and install a new 1.2MW solar farm on its site. The farm will comprise over 2,500 PV panels and provide more than 40% of the airport’s annual electricity needs. The airport is also committed to developing electric-car charging infrastructure to meet future public demand for charging. To encourage energy efficiency improvements across all airport operations, it plans to improve the thermal efficiency of the main terminal building by conducting insulation and fabric upgrades, introducing air lock zones, and running information sessions for its employees.
The airport will continue to work with the Department of Transport to develop a Sectoral Climate Adaptation Plan to identify sectoral priorities for climate adaptation at a national level.
Sustainability programme
Ireland West Airport is making substantial strides in reducing its environmental impact and championing sustainable aviation. The Level 3 “Optimisation” accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme recognises its rigorous carbon-management framework and collaboration with airlines, handlers and partners.
With a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and a “net zero” target by 2050, the airport’s sustainability strategy encompasses energy efficiency, electric vehicle infrastructure and stakeholder engagement — a clear example of how regional airports can lead on the climate challenge.