Kaohsiung Airport Achieves Level 4 Carbon Accreditation, Second in Taiwan

(CNA, Yu Hsiao-han, Taipei, May 29) In the latest Green Airport assessment released by Airports Council International (ACI), Taiwan's Kaohsiung International Airport (Xiaogang Airport) won the Green Airport Platinum Award this year and passed the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 4 for the first time, becoming the second airport in Taiwan to achieve Level 4 after Taoyuan International Airport. The ACI Green Airport assessment covers over 600 airports in 44 countries across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. Wang Yu-chen, Director of the Kaohsiung International Airport under the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, stated at a regular press conference today that Xiaogang Airport has implemented a "science-based climate adaptation to build a disaster-resilient airport" project. In the face of complex climate risks such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, the airport followed the TCFD framework and IPCC scientific data, investing approximately NT$2.43 billion to optimize drainage and flood detention systems, and strengthen terminal waterproofing and the wind resistance of boarding bridges. Wang Yu-chen said that when Typhoon Krathon hit Kaohsiung directly in 2024, the airport successfully maintained zero flooding in terminals and runways, zero damage to key facilities, and zero casualties, and quickly resumed operations, verifying the effectiveness of its adaptation strategy internationally. Regarding ACA Level 4, 64 airports worldwide and 28 in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions have achieved it. Obtaining this certification means that Kaohsiung Airport has established long-term carbon reduction goals and management mechanisms that meet international standards. Wang Yu-chen said that Kaohsiung Airport has comprehensively strengthened Scope 3 emission inventory and mapped out a concrete net-zero transition blueprint, working with 38 on-site units to promote a "joint carbon reduction plan" to reduce operational carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency, promoting low-carbon vehicles, and optimizing equipment. In addition, she said that in line with government policies, the airport has promoted the trial of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and completed the replacement of 16 boarding bridges and the full installation of bridge air and power supply systems. The usage frequency increased by 3.72 times compared to the previous year, effectively reducing carbon emissions from aircraft on the ground. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi)