Latvia’s Riga International Airport (RIX) has set a target to achieve zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 under its Net Zero 2050 Roadmap.
The roadmap was approved by the board of Riga Airport.
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The airport intends to offset its own emissions from electricity, heat, and fuel consumption to as close to zero to achieve this target.
It also intends to neutralise emissions that cannot be otherwise cut down through CO₂ sequestration.
Electricity, fuel and heat consumption, as well as surface de-icing, are considered the main sources of emissions.
The airport intends to achieve the largest reduction in CO₂ emissions by transitioning to alternative energy sources through the development of a solar panel park, embracing alternative fuel transport, and producing heat from renewable energy sources.
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By GlobalDataRiga Airport also plans to upgrade the electricity grid, replace apron and runway lighting with efficient LED lighting, as well as bolster the energy efficiency of current buildings.
It also noted that some carbon emissions are not in the direct control of the airport but are linked with entities operating at RIX.
These factors include aircraft fuel consumption, energy and fuel consumption by ground handlers and airport tenants, wastewater treatment, aircraft de-icing, and transport of passengers and airport staff to and from the airport.
Riga Airport’s Net Zero 2050 Roadmap underlines cooperation with stakeholders and local authorities to jointly tackle the impact of climate change.
Riga International Airport board chairperson Laila Odiņa said: “Riga Airport is ready to contribute to the achievement of global climate goals and to consider the necessary business transformation in advance.
“The Net Zero Roadmap is an essential complement to our sustainability strategy: we continue the dedicated work to reduce harmful emissions from airport operations, including the possibility of becoming certified to a higher level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme in a few years.”
In February 2022, Riga Airport announced an investment of more than $282.5m to support its new medium-term development strategy until 2027.
