The Scoop on Scope 3 Emissions: Why they Matter and How to Address them

Posted on | by MollyBabitz

By Corey Johnson and Sarah Owens, C&S

Introduction

Airports across the country are working towards Net Zero Emissions by 2050. Airports, like any organization, have a carbon footprint, and their emissions fall into three categories:

  • Scope 1 emissions refer to emissions from airport-owned or controlled sources like boilers and vehicles.
  • Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity or, less commonly, purchased heat or steam.
  • Scope 3 emissions are outside of the direct control of the airport but are generated from upstream or downstream activities (like purchased materials or waste disposal) that enable the airport to do what it does best – be an airport!

The typical net zero toolkit tends to encompass Scope 1 and 2 emissions, since airports have the most operational control over these sources. But because Scope 3 emissions typically constitute over 90% of an airport’s carbon footprint, these emissions sources cannot be ignored. The complex nature of scope 3 emissions can be intimidating to airports of any size and require a different approach, which we will explore in greater detail here.

What’s unique about Scope 3 emissions?

Managing Scope 3 sources requires greater stakeholder coordination than other aspects of airport carbon management. Whether it is working with airlines to provide more sustainable aircraft fuel or promoting more efficient ground transportation options to and from the airport, stakeholder engagement is a “must” to implement any of the mitigation strategies for Scope 3 emissions.

Stakeholder engagement has the added benefit of setting airports up for higher levels of achievement in Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which certifies and recognizes airports globally for their carbon management efforts. Once airports pursue Level 3 and beyond, they must address Scope 3 emissions in their emissions inventories and as part of a stakeholder engagement or partnership plan.

What are some examples of leadership with Scope 3?

Airports are using innovative approaches to address Scope 3 emissions. Below are just a few of many examples from across the country:

Scope 3 Challenges & Solutions

Airports tend to hit the same few snags when expanding their carbon management to include Scope 3. The challenges below are some of the most common, along with some suggested solutions to ensure a smooth process.

Conclusion

Scope 3 represents a major component of an airport’s carbon footprint, but it must be managed differently with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement. Identifying and engaging stakeholders early in the process allows for the clear allocation of roles and responsibilities in creating a more sustainable airport. Ultimately, any airport that tackles Scope 3 emissions head on will stand apart as an innovative leader in the industry.

BIOS

Corey Johnson is the Director of Aviation Sustainability at C&S Companies and a founding collaborating with AirportNetZero.com. He specializes in airport net zero planning, decarbonization and electrification strategies, and data-driven approaches to sustainability management. Prior to joining C&S, Corey worked in the energy practice at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C. Corey holds a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University and is an active private pilot.

 

Sarah Owens is an Aviation Sustainability Consultant at C&S Companies. She supports airports in sustainability management planning, funding opportunities, Airport Carbon Accreditation, sustainability workshops, and waste management services. Sarah studied Airport Management with a minor in sustainability at the University of North Dakota. She is active in her community including WTS Philadelphia and Green Philly.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.