Helsinki Airport achieves net zero for emissions under its control

“Reaching net zero carbon emissions is an ambitious climate goal. Only about twenty airports globally have achieved net zero status under Airport Carbon Accreditation, and five of them are Finavia airports,” says Kirsi Pitkäranta, Finavia’s Vice President of Sustainability.

Emissions at Helsinki Airport mainly result from energy consumption related to airport infrastructure, such as apron and runway lighting, building heating and ventilation, and the use of vehicles and maintenance equipment.

“By switching entirely to renewable or CO2-free energy, we have managed to reduce our carbon emissions as close to zero as is technically and economically feasible,” Pitkäranta explains.

Helsinki Airport became carbon neutral in 2017. Achieving net zero emissions is an even greater milestone for an international airport.

In 2023, Finavia’s airports in Ivalo, Kittilä, Kuusamo, and Rovaniemi achieved Level 5 under Airport Carbon Accreditation. Helsinki Airport is the fifth Finavia airport to receive the net zero certificate.

“In Europe, airports such as Arlanda, Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague, and Malmö have also reached the net zero level,” Pitkäranta notes.

“We are extremely proud of our long-term efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We want to be part of the solution in reducing aviation emissions, and our goal is for all 20 Finavia airports to reach net zero by the end of 2025,” says Henri Hansson, Finavia’s Senior Vice President, Airport Infrastructure, Sustainability, Safety, Security & Compliance.

Finavia’s long-term climate goal is to become carbon negative.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General at ACI EUROPE said: “Congratulations to Helsinki Airport on achieving Level 5 - the highest level of airport carbon management. All five Finavia airports participating in the programme are now operating net zero facilities for emissions under their control, a strong commitment to decarbonise fully by 2050. From expanding the use of renewable energy to working closely with airlines and air navigation partners to reduce their carbon footprint, Finavia is a true pioneer in building a more sustainable aviation ecosystem. Hats off to the entire team.”

Fact Box: Finavia’s Climate Program at Helsinki Airport

• 2008: Finavia created its climate program and began calculating carbon emissions.
• 2011: Joined the international Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
• 2016: Acquired wind power and significantly increased the use of emission-free electricity at Helsinki Airport.
• 2017: Achieved carbon neutrality at Helsinki Airport. Began offsetting residual emissions through Airport Carbon Accreditation -approved projects.
• 2017: Opened a solar power plant and started using renewable diesel in maintenance vehicles.
• 2018: Expanded the solar power plant.
• 2020: Expanded the solar power plant again.
• 2022: Deepened climate actions and strategy achieved Level 4+ in Airport Carbon Accreditation.
• 2024: Operations at Helsinki Airport became net zero. All fuel, electricity, and district heating used are from certified renewable or CO2-free sources.
• 2025: Received Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 5 certification for operations at Helsinki Airport.
• Future: Finavia aims for carbon negativity in its operations.

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