CARBON reduction measures, including solar power, single-engine taxi procedures and bridge-mounted equipment, have helped Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) attain Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 2 — Reduction.
MCIA said it is the only airport in the Philippines to reach Level 2, which recognizes airports that have reduced carbon emissions after establishing their carbon footprint.
Julius Neri Jr., general manager and chief executive officer of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), said the accreditation is another step toward the airport’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The ACA is a global carbon management certification program for airports that covers the measurement of emissions, reduction targets and measures to cut carbon output.
Neri said the Level 2 accreditation means MCIA and its private operator, Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (Acac), have moved beyond measuring the airport’s carbon footprint and demonstrated reductions in emissions from operations.
“This achievement is a clear testament to what strong public-private synergy can deliver for sustainable infrastructure in the Philippines. MCIAA and Acac remain united in introducing eco-friendly technologies, optimizing airfield efficiency, and building a greener gateway for future generations of travelers,” he said.
Measures
MCIA said it has expanded energy-efficiency measures, including a 1.64-megawatt-peak rooftop solar facility, smart sensors, improved monitoring of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, fuel-efficiency measures and LED lighting.
Ricia Montejo, Acac general manager, said the certification reflects measurable progress in incorporating sustainability measures into airport operations while maintaining service standards and supporting Cebu’s growth as a transfer hub.
“This ACA Level 2 validates that our team is making real, measurable progress in embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations,” said Montejo.
“By balancing smart energy solutions with world-class service, we are ensuring that Cebu’s growth as a premier transfer hub remains environmentally responsible and aligned with global best practices,” Montejo added.
Under its updated carbon management plan, MCIA aims to cut the intensity of its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by more than 90 percent by 2029 from baseline levels. It is targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Scope 1 refers to from operations and sources that are owned or controlled directly by the reporting organization emissions, while Scope 2 are the indirect emissions resulting from the generation of electricity, heating, cooling or steam purchased and consumed by the organization, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Over the past two years, the airport has also used bridge-mounted equipment to supply parked aircraft with electricity and cabin cooling, reducing the need to burn jet fuel while aircraft are at the gate.
Airlines have adopted electric ground support equipment and single-engine taxi-in procedures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, MCIA said. / DPC