Mactan-Cebu International Airport, operated by Aboitiz Infracapital GMCAC (AGMCAC), secured a distinction as the first Philippine airport with Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International, signifying a pivotal achievement in its commitment to environmental sustainability.
MCIA has aligned its 2023 sustainability programs and will continue to dovetail its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and global targets to safeguard the environment from further degradation.
The goal is to operate the airport sustainably through the implementation of projects that promote the company’s long-term viability while preserving resources for the future.
The recognition not only highlights Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s responsible approach to carbon emissions but also positions it as a leader in fostering eco-friendly practices within the aviation industry.
Airport Carbon Accreditation, the sole globally endorsed certification program for carbon management in airports, autonomously evaluates and acknowledges airports’ endeavors in managing and reducing their carbon emissions.
Stefano Baronci, director-general of ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, sent his congratulations to Mactan-Cebu International Airport for embarking on their sustainability journey.
“We congratulate Mactan-Cebu International Airport for Level 1 certification in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme. Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s commitment to contribute towards our industry’s common vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 brings the total number of Asia-Pacific and Middle East Airports joining ACA to 84. ACI APAC and MID is eager to work closely with Mactan-Cebu and the Philippines Authorities in the future to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” he said.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport Athanasios Titonis affirmed an ongoing commitment to sustainability, stressing that efforts in this direction will continue to evolve and expand.
“We take great pride in the global recognition of our initial strides toward becoming a more sustainable airport. As the pioneering airport in the Philippines acknowledged for its sustainability endeavors, we aspire to set a precedent for others in the aviation industry in the country to embrace similar practices,” he said.
“Understanding that achieving Carbon Neutrality is a journey that requires time and dedication, we are fully committed to innovating new methods to further diminish our carbon emissions” he added.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority general manager Julius Neri expressed optimism that this achievement would serve as inspiration for the aviation industry in the Philippines to emulate and adopt similar sustainable practices.
“We find ourselves in a fortunate era where advancements in technology and innovation enable us to actively reduce our carbon emissions, aiming ultimately for a net-zero outcome―an opportunity not available in the preceding decades. It is important that we seize this opportunity and leverage it to collectively make a positive impact on our planet. Our sustainability journey is unfolding step by step, and we aspire to attain a higher level of accreditation in the near future,” he said.
