In a first for Philippine airports, the Mactan Cebu International Airport has earned Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation from the Airports Council International, signifying a pivotal achievement in its ongoing pledge to environmental sustainability.

"We congratulate Mactan Cebu International Airport for Level 1 certification in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program. Mactan Cebu International Airport's commitment to contribute towards our industry's common vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 brings the total number of Asia-Pacific and Middle East Airports joining ACA to 84. ACI APAC and MD is eager to work closely with Mactan-Cebu and the Philippines Authorities in the future to mitigate the impacts of climate change," ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci said in congratulating MCIA for embarking on their sustainability journey.

ACA, the sole globally endorsed certification program for carbon management in airports, autonomously evaluates and acknowledges airports' endeavors in managing and reducing their carbon emissions.

The recognition not only highlights MCIA's responsible approach to carbon emissions but also positions it as a leader in fostering eco-friendly practices within aviation industry.

MCIA is ran by Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC.

MCIA AGMCAC CEO Athanasios Titonis said the company not only celebrates its accomplishment but also affirms an ongoing commitment to sustainability, emphasizing that efforts in this direction will continue to evolve and expand.

"We take great pride in the global recognition of our initial strides toward becoming a more sustainable airport. As the pioneering airport in the Philippines acknowledged for its sustainability endeavors, we aspire to set a precedent for others in the aviation industry in the country to embrace similar practices," Titonis said.

"Understanding that achieving Carbon Neutrality is a journey that requires time and  dedication, we are fully committed to innovating new methods to further diminish our carbon emissions," he added.

MCIA general manager Julius Neri, expresses optimism that this achievement will serve as inspiration for the aviation industry in the Philippines to emulate and adopt similar sustainable practices.

"We find ourselves in a fortunate era where advancements in technology and innovation enable us to actively reduce our carbon emissions. Aiming ultimately for a net zero outcome — an opportunity not available in the preceding decades — it is important that we seize this opportunity and leverage it to collectively make a positive impact on our planet. Our sustainability is unfoldlng step by step, and we aspire to attain a higher level of accreditation in the near future," Neri said.

Among the sustainability practices of MCIA are minimizing  usage of non-biodegradable waste within airport premises, introducing infrastructure projects to lower energy consumption, incorporating renewable energy sources, and establishing systems to minimize and recycle water consumption.