Finavia's carbon neutrality: A milestone for aviation

Aug 22 2024 Travel trends

In a significant stride towards sustainability, Finland's airport operator, Finavia, has proudly announced achieving net zero carbon emissions for its own operations at four key airports: Ivalo, Kittilä, Kuusamo, and Rovaniemi. This remarkable feat underscores Finavia's steadfast commitment to spearheading sustainable development within the aviation industry.

At the heart of Finavia's achievement lies a multifaceted approach aimed at curbing carbon emissions. By diligently reducing energy consumption in terminals and ensuring that airport vehicles are powered by renewable diesel, Finavia has managed to slash its carbon footprint substantially. Moreover, the adoption of renewable motor fuel oil for work machines and emergency power generators has further bolstered its sustainability efforts.

Finavia's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship

Mikko Viinikainen, Finavia’s Vice President of Sustainability & Environment, expressed immense pride in this accomplishment, highlighting the company's dedication to ambitious climate targets. "Our operations at all of our 20 airports have been carbon neutral since 2019," Viinikainen remarked, signaling Finavia's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

The ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions at all airports under Finavia's purview by the end of 2025 underscores the company's proactive stance in combating climate change. This commitment has been formally recognized through certification in the international Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which acknowledges airports that have significantly reduced their carbon emissions.

Worldwide to attain net zero emissions status

The significance of Finavia's achievement reverberates globally as it joins the ranks of only a handful of airports worldwide to attain net zero emissions status. This includes prominent names such as Amsterdam Schiphol and Rotterdam airports in the Netherlands, showcasing Finland's leadership in sustainable aviation practices.

Central to Finavia's sustainability strategy is its investment in renewable energy sources and innovative technologies. The transition to zero-emission electricity since 2018 and the adoption of biofuels for terminal heating exemplify the company's proactive approach in embracing eco-friendly alternatives.

Looking ahead, Finavia remains steadfast in its pursuit of even loftier sustainability goals. With aspirations to transition towards carbon-negative operations, the company is actively exploring avenues to offset residual emissions through participation in accredited carbon capture projects.

Tourist sector                             

Beyond environmental accolades, Finavia's commitment to sustainability extends to fostering sustainable tourism in Finland's Lapland region. The recent awarding of the Sustainable Travel Finland certificate to its four northern airports underscores Finavia's dedication to promoting eco-conscious travel practices.

Jonna Pietilä, Finavia’s Vice President of Lapland Airports, emphasized the collective effort within the tourism sector to minimize environmental impact. Through collaborative initiatives and adherence to stringent sustainability standards, Finavia aims to set a precedent for sustainable travel practices in the region.

As Finavia continues to chart new frontiers in sustainable aviation, its achievements serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire industry. With innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, Finavia paves the way towards a greener, more sustainable future for air travel.