50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Riga Airport undertakes to reach Zero CO2e emissions by 2035

Download: Printable PDF Date: 15 Aug 2024 06:14 (UTC) category:
Publisher:
Riga Airport undertakes to reach Zero CO2e emissions by 2035 - Airports / Routes publisher
Dana Ermolenko
Country: Latvia Aircraft: Airplanes

Taking into account the need to accelerate climate change mitigation and strengthen company's reputation for sustainable development in the aviation sector in Europe, RIX Riga Airport has revised the Airport's road map for achieving zero CO2e emissions. The company's Board has set 2035 as the new target deadline.

Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of RIX Riga Airport commented: "We have reviewed the emission reduction targets and objectives set out in both the Airport's Medium-Term Strategy and Sustainability Strategy and are ready to set a much more ambitious timeline to achieve Net Zero. Although the initial deadline of the Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) "NetZero 2050" commitment was to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, Riga Airport, along with many other European airports, believes that by working with determination, this goal can be achieved earlier, by 2035. Riga Airport also has a greater responsibility to contribute to the global climate goals, having achieved the Diamond Category in last year's Sustainability Index and aiming to be certified to the next level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme. Globally, various financial institutions are also paying much more attention to achieve more ambitious climate goals, with the support of which aviation development is being financed." 

Achieving zero CO2e emissions at airports involves two main elements: firstly, reducing the airport's own emissions from electricity, heat, and fuel consumption to as close to zero as possible and, secondly, neutralising emissions that cannot be reduced through CO2e sequestration.

The procurement and production of renewable energy, the replacement of heating equipment, the replacement of internal combustion engine machinery with alternative modes of transportation and increasing energy efficiency are key steps on the new Riga Airport Net Zero road map. The amount of green energy purchased by the Airport is expected to increase by an average of 10 % annually, while solar power generation from the Airport's solar parks is expected to reach 14 % of the total electricity needs of the company by 2026. 

This year, the current diesel-powered passenger buses at the Airport will be replaced by electric buses, and in 2025 the plan is to start replacing fossil diesel with synthetic fuels, increasing by at least 10 % each year, and by 2035 to phase out the use of fossil fuels altogether. 

At the same time, Riga Airport is already involved in an international INTERREG-funded project on the research and implementation of hydrogen technologies in aviation, cooperating with public transport and other transport service providers to reduce CO2e emissions and develop sustainable aviation fuels.





Recommended

ATP Flight School offers multi-engine flight time at single-engine prices

ATP Flight School has reintroduced its 100+ Hour Multi-Engine Airline Career Pilot Program at select training centers, bringing students multi-engine flight time at single-engine prices.&nbs...

FL Technics adds 4 new aircraft approvals in UAE expanding wide-body portfolio

FL Technics subsidiary FL Technics LLC, which provides Line Maintenance services across the Middle East, has expanded its approved capabilities by adding Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boein...

ATR identifies demand for 209 new domestic air routes in Indonesia

ATR identified 209 new domestic air routes in Indonesia that would be economically viable if served by regional turboprop aircraft. Total demand for these routes is 16 million passengers per...

FAI strengthens long-range charter fleet with second Global 6000 in a year

FAI rent-a-jet has further strengthened its fleet with the addition of a Bombardier Global 6000 (D-AFAN, MSN 9471). The acquisition was completed just five weeks after the LOI was signed, underli...

Android Apps development in Riga, Latvia