Spanish airport operator Aena has announced it will invest close to €500m (US$586m) in its Climate Action Plan 2021-2030 ‘Towards Zero Emissions’, which will enable it to reach carbon neutrality by 2026 and achieve a 94% reduction in emissions per passenger associated by 2030, laying the foundations for accomplishing net zero by 2040.
The Plan, which was approved by Aena’s board of directors on March 25, will be submitted to a consultative vote at the company’s general shareholders’ meeting on April 27-28.
The Climate Action Plan is split into three strategic programs: Carbon Neutrality, Sustainable Aviation and Community and Sustainable Value Chain. The plan’s strategic programs feature a wide range of measures including achieving 100% self-consumption of renewable electricity under the Photovoltaic Plan and 90% sustainable energy usage in HVAC (purchase plus production) by 2030, attaining 78% sustainable ground handling vehicles by 2030 and driving additional reductions associated with airlines.
As part of the Climate Action Plan, Amparo Brea, Aena’s director of innovation, sustainability and customer experience, has additionally been appointed as the company’s chief green officer (CGO). Her main task in this role is to help reposition the business model and embed sustainability in every aspect of the organization.
According to Aena, the purpose of this initiative is to foster a reduction in emissions over and above those associated with its direct operations. It will also enable the company to act as a driving force for emission-free aviation, take a further step forward in its environmental commitment and bolster its leadership in achieving sustainable air transport.
