Advancing toward Net Zero: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport achieves ACI ACA Level 4 Certification

Following the global de-carbonization movement, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TTIA) has committed to carbon management. After obtaining the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 2 in 2016 and Level 3 certificates in 2019 from Airports Council International (ACI), in 2025 TTIA took a further step by collaborating with 85 airport stakeholders to deepen its carbon reduction initiatives and work collectively toward the 2050 net-zero target. These efforts enables TTIA to be awarded the prestigious ACA Level 4 certification—joining the ranks of Asia-Pacific region benchmarks such as Hong Kong International Airport and Incheon International Airport. The official certification ceremony was held on April 16 at ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Annual General Assembly, Conference & Exhibition 2025 in New Delhi, India, where Senior Vice President Hung-Pin Sun accepted the certificate on behalf of the airport.

TIAC expresses that ACA is the only institutionally endorsed carbon management certification standard specifically designed for airports, developed by ACI to mitigate the aviation sector’s impact on global climate change. The program comprises seven progressive levels of certification, recognizing increasing commitments and achievements in carbon reduction. Since achieving Level 3 in 2019, TTIA has expanded mapping its carbon footprint to include a broader range of stakeholders, increasing awareness and collective sustainability efforts. The latest achievement at Level 4 recognizes TTIA’s collaboration with airlines, ground handlers, and concessionaires to implement joint carbon management strategies and actions.

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “We congratulate Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for its significant strides in reducing carbon emissions, setting a benchmark for airports across the region. By positioning itself as one of the leaders in efficient carbon management, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport demonstrates a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s approach aligns with our industry's collective vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

TTIA has undertaken a range of sustainable initiatives to promote low-carbon operations. These include optimizing HVAC systems, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, and improving the efficiency of elevators and escalators. These efforts are backed by internationally recognized certifications, including ISO 14064-1 for greenhouse gas inventories, ISO 50001 for energy management, ISO 46001 for water efficiency, and ISO 14001 for environmental management. Over the past five years, these actions have resulted in a cumulative reduction of 8,877 metric tons of CO₂e within terminal buildings—equivalent to emissions generated by over 3.6 million airport passengers, or the annual carbon absorption capacity of 23 Da’an Forest Parks.

To accelerate the development of a sustainable aviation ecosystem, TTIA has partnered with 85 organizations across aviation, ground services, and commercial operations to advance carbon reduction initiatives. Key efforts include the enhancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) infrastructure to support airlines in gradually increasing SAF blending ratios. TTIA is also optimizing bridge air and electric power systems to improve operational incentives for airlines, contributing to steadily increasing usage rates. On the ground, the airport is transitioning its fleet to electric vehicle, including passenger shuttle buses and baggage tractors, while installing EV charging stations in both public and airside parking areas.

Looking ahead, TTIA will continue to focus on expanding the use of renewable energy, increasing the proportion of green electricity, and promoting circular economy practices to raise the airport's recycling rate.

Through diverse green initiatives and close collaboration with airport partners, TTIA is committed to turning carbon into value and becoming a leading green aviation hub in East Asia on the path toward net-zero emissions.