Transport Commissioner congratulates Brussels Airport for carbon achievement commitments
26/10/2010
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, today commended Brussels Airport for its commitment to reducing future carbon emissions. At a ceremony held in the departure hall of the airport, Vice-President Kallas presented Mr Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, with a certificate marking its progress under an industry-led carbon accreditation scheme. Twenty-three airports across 12 countries in Europe are now accredited under the scheme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Kallas said: "Sustainability is not an 'optional extra' in transport policy. It has to come as standard." He congratulated ACI Europe on the success of its Airport Carbon Accreditation Scheme, and welcomed the progress made by Brussels Airport in reducing on a voluntary basis to reduce its carbon emissions over time.
Vice President Kallas added that the Commission fully supports industry initiatives of this kind. "We can only succeed in tackling climate change if the actions of regulators are complemented by individual citizens and businesses taking actions of their own," he said "I believe this scheme can have a crucial role to play in helping to move the European aviation system on to a more sustainable footing in line with the historic agreement reached in ICAO thanks to Europe's leadership."
Airport Carbon Accreditation is an annual carbon management certification programme established by Airports Council International Europe, comprised of four progressive levels of accreditation: Mapping, Reduction, Optimisation and Neutrality.
