Finnish airport operator Finavia has accelerated its climate protection programme by making all of its airports carbon neutral in 2019, a year earlier than planned.
Henri Hansson, technical director at Finavia, said, “Our entire electricity consumption last year consisted of certified wind power acquired from the Nordic electricity markets.
“The largest solar plant among Nordic airports is currently under construction at Helsinki Airport; ten Finavia airports use pellets for carbon-neutral heating. We also employ solutions such as geothermal heating and energy-efficient LED lights.”
The direct carbon dioxide emissions of Finavia’s operations arise mainly from the fuel consumption of airport vehicles.
“At Helsinki Airport and our airports in Lapland, we have begun using renewable diesel fuel produced from waste and residues. This year, renewable diesel will be introduced at all Finavia airports,” Hansson added.
The objectives of the climate programme have also been taken into consideration in the construction of new facilities. Helsinki Airport is currently being expanded and the new premises are being developed in line with the criteria laid out in the BREEAM environmental certification framework. The south wing, which opened in 2017, has already been certified with an Excellent rating.
Where emissions cannot be avoided, such as from heating and business travel by Finavia’s personnel, Finavia has acquired emissions offsets from the international carbon markets.
The partner in the project is NEFCO, a Nordic financial institution established by the countries of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland to provide financing for environmental and climate projects.
“The emissions offsets are acquired from a Gold Standard certified project that improves the energy efficiency of small households in Ghana. Efficient stoves reduce the cutting down of local forests to obtain firewood,” said Hansson.