Palmerston North Airport Achieves Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+

22 October 2026
MEDIA RELEASE

Palmerston North Airport achieves Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+.

Palmerston North Airport has marked another milestone in its sustainability journey with the achievement of receiving Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 4+, advancing from Level 4. This achievement places Palmerston North Airport amongst an elite group, with only 4 airports in New Zealand in the ACA 4+ category.

Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. The programme relies on internationally recognised methodologies and provides airports with a common framework for active carbon management with measurable goalposts.

To achieve ACA Level 4+ accreditation, Palmerston North Airport was required to set a long-term absolute emission reduction target aligned with the IPCC 1.5°C pathway (to be achieved no later than 2050), demonstrate reductions in carbon emissions under its direct control supported by a carbon management plan aligned with international climate goals. The airport also worked closely with tenants and other stakeholders to better understand and influence emissions across the wider airport community.  Alongside these accreditation requirements, the airport is also integrating climate resilience into its planning and operations.

While reducing emissions at the source remains the airport’s primary focus, residual emissions that cannot currently be eliminated are addressed through the purchase of independently verified carbon offsets.

The accreditation process involved the submission of extensive evidence and documentation, all of which was reviewed and independently verified through the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

Palmerston North Airport Chief Executive, David Lanham said “achieving ACA Level 4+ is a significant accomplishment and reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability. Reducing our operational emissions by 85% since 2022 demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible when sustainability is embedded into everyday decision-making. This accreditation recognises the actions we are taking to reduce our emissions, our planning for future climate challenges, and our collaboration with partners across the airport community to support a lower-carbon future.”

Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “We congratulate Palmerston North Airport on achieving Level 4+ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. This significant milestone reflects the airport’s strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable airport operations. Its achievement sets a positive example for regional airports and supports our industry’s collective vision of achieving net zero emissions.”