ACSA's performance in sustainable aviation takes off

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has made strides in embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its core operations, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable airport management on the African continent.

- Laurene Less

The company’s comprehensive and multifaceted approach to ESG underscores its commitment not only to operational excellence and financial sustainability but also to fostering positive socioeconomic and environmental alignment with the National Development Plan and global sustainable development goals.

Environmental stewardship

ACSA operates an ISO 14001:2015 accredited environmental management system at all nine airports, maintaining compliance with environmental legislation and monitoring obligations. The company achieved and sustained Airports Council International (ACI) Level 2 carbon accreditation at OR Tambo, Cape Town and Chief Dawid Stuurman international airports, and King Shaka International Airport reached Level 3 accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to reducing carbon emissions including Scope 3 emissions that airports influence indirectly.

Investment in renewable energy is a cornerstone of ACSA's environmental strategy, with four solar farms at its airports and a fifth under development. A R2.034 billion gas-to-power trigeneration plant project is planned to enhance energy efficiency, reduce reliance on coal-based grid power, mitigate risks related to power insecurity and potentially reduce carbon emissions by 67%.

Noise mitigation and wildlife hazard management are effectively handled, with no noise complaints and a reduction in bird strikes reported during the year, reflecting sound operational practices for environmental protection.

Social transformation