Swissport commits to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

Swissport International is committing to be 100 percent carbon-neutral by 2050, to be achieved through the decarbonisation of its operations and supply chain.

The company is also committing to material near-term carbon reduction and net-zero targets by 2050 through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), says an official release. "The ambitious goal will be realised through a transition pathway addressing Scopes 1, 2 and 3 of carbon emissions — categories introduced by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol." Swissport joins the ranks of companies taking measurable action as part of SBTi.

“Setting a target for net-zero emissions is of utmost importance for Swissport,” says Warwick Brady, President & CEO, Swissport International. “Addressing climate change head-on is the most significant challenge of our time. In committing to targets which will be validated through the Science Based Targets initiative, Swissport makes a meaningful contribution to securing a sustainable future for the planet and for our business.”

SBTi is a collaborative effort between the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that motivates companies to set ambitious and scientifically sound goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with global climate targets, the release added. "Companies participating in the initiative commit to defining and implementing targets that are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Swissport is pledging to submit its targets and undergo a validation process within the next two years. Furthermore, Swissport intends to disclose a comprehensive transition pathway that addresses the challenges posed by climate change."

The electrification of its vast fleet of ground support vehicles operating at some 300 airports globally is the backbone of Swissport’s efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions, the release added. In 2022, Swissport had announced plans to increase the share of electric vehicles to at least 55 percent of the total motorised fleet by 2032. "At some Swissport locations, this is already achieved: for example, after the renewal of the company’s forklift fleet in its Finland cargo operations, 98 percent of its fleet will be electric. In parallel, Swissport is working with airports to coordinate and expedite the implementation of the required infrastructure such as charging stations.

Meanwhile, Swissport has also established a near-term target for reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by a minimum of 42 percent by 2032. In order to track progress on emissions targets, the company launched a comprehensive emission reporting fully aligned with the standards of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The reporting includes not only Scopes 1 and 2 but also encompasses all Scope 3 carbon emissions that are material to Swissport’s business operations."

Swissport is also implementing other sustainability measures across operations as a part of its ambitious ESG roadmap, the release added. "This includes enhancing its environmental management system to align with ISO 14001 standards, a leading benchmark in the field. For example, Swissport is set to get rid of all plastic tableware at its Aspire Airport Lounges by 2025."

The company also has several initiatives to reduce the consumption of foil wrap in its air cargo centres across Belgium, Germany, and Finland where 100 percent of plastic foil is now collected and repurposed to wrap new pallets, creating a closed-loop process which minimises resource consumption and waste generation.

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