Environmental Responsibility

We take an active approach to environmental protection. The fundamental principles of our approach include long-term investments in measures focusing on environment-friendly and responsible actions taken by us and our partners, pollution prevention and regular monitoring of the environment at the airport and in its surroundings. We are making efforts to look for other possibilities for improving the environment as part of sustainable development. Prague Airport ensures that all legal obligations related to environmental protection are met throughout the Group.

Prague Airport holds the ČSN EN ISO 14 001:2016 certificate: Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It has been a part of the EMS since 2002. The certifying authority of Prague Airport is Bureau Veritas Czech Republic, spol. s r.o. 

The system is based on the company’s commitment made by the company’s management, which defines the strategic objectives of the company – Policy of Letiště Praha, a. s.

Contact:

+420 220 111 188 

zivotni.prostredi@prg.aero 

By 2030:

• Ensure that 100% of electricity consumed is covered by electricity generated from renewable energy sources either through our own generation or through guarantees of origin from renewable energy sources.

• Gradually increase the share of zero-emission and low-emission vehicles in the fleet to at least 60%, while reducing the share of vehicles with internal combustion engines.

• Obtain LEED certification for the Terminal 2 expansion project.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by at least 70% compared to the 2009 baseline through improvements in energy efficiency, electrification and the use of renewable energy sources, while minimising residual emissions. Any unavoidable emissions will be addressed exclusively through high-quality and independently verified carbon removal or offsetting mechanisms.

By 2050:

• Achieve net zero through long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with recognised international decarbonisation frameworks.

• Continuously assess climate risks and implement adaptation measures aimed at increasing the resilience of airport infrastructure to extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves, heavy rainfall, wind events and long-term climate change.

Prague Airport has long been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy and material demands. Greenhouse gas emissions are monitored and reported, and that not only those arising directly from the activities of Prague Airport, but also those that come from other partners operating at the airport. At the same time, Prague Airport motivates its partners to reduce CO₂e emissions by, among other things, developing infrastructure for emission-free and low-emission vehicles (e.g. charging stations for electric cars), ensuring the supply of electricity from renewable energy sources, and adjusting operating procedures. Prague Airport has been using electricity from renewable energy sources since 2019, thereby trying to set an example for other entities operating at the airport.

Prague Airport’s strategic goal is to reduce its climate footprint and strengthen climate resilience through the systematic decarbonization of operations, energy transformation, increased energy efficiency, and the implementation of adaptation measures, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement, European climate legislation, and a “net zero”. trajectory.

In 2021, Prague Airport joined the Net Zero initiative organized by ACI, the international association of airports. This initiative brings together more than 200 airports aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest.

Prague Airport has also joined the Destination 2050 initiative. The initiative’s primary goal is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. Destination 2050 outlines a potential pathway to reducing CO₂ emissions through a combination of new technologies, improved operational measures, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and economic instruments.

Decarbonisation Plan of Prague Airport

Airport Carbon Accreditation 

Prague Airport has been actively reducing its CO₂e emissions since 2010, when it joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. Consequently, the airport's carbon footprint is verified annually by an independent certification body.

The primary goal of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program is to support airport operators in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from various airport activities. The program brings together hundreds of airports worldwide that annually map their carbon footprint and implement measures to reduce it. The carbon footprint represents the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions expressed in terms of carbon dioxide. (CO₂e).

Not all airports are equally active in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That is why the Airport Carbon Accreditation program is divided into several levels:

1. Carbon footprint mapping,
2. Carbon footprint reduction (emission reduction),
3. Partner engagement for optimization,
4. Neutrality – zero carbon footprint,
5. Transformation and transition – offsetting all emissions under the airport’s control using internationally recognized offset projects,
6. Maintaining a net-zero balance for Scope 1 and 2 categories and actively addressing Scope 3 emissions.

In 2016, Prague Airport advanced to the third level of the program, which involves engaging partners in CO₂e emission reduction.

More information about the programme: www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org 

Since 2010, Prague Airport has successfully reduced emissions by an average of 3,000 to 5,000 tonnes of CO₂e annually; by 2025, the reduction amounted to 69 % compared to 2009 levels. This achievement is due to energy-saving measures such as replacing lighting with efficient LEDs, scaling back the night-time operation of HVAC units and terminal lighting, replacing cooling units, boilers, and burners, and utilizing waste heat at the wastewater treatment plant. Prague Airport plans to continue in these energy-saving projects to achieve further emission reductions. 

Evolution of CO₂e emissions reductions compared with 2009   

Destination 2050 

In addition to Airport Carbon Accreditation, Prague Airport has joined the Destination 2050 initiative. Its main objective is to achieve net zero emissions in aviation by 2050. Destination 2050 demonstrates possible pathways to achieve CO₂ emissions by combining new technologies, improved operations, using sustainable aviation fuels and economic measures. Absolute emissions will be reduced by 92 % while 8 % will be removed from the atmosphere using negative emissions achieved through natural carbon sinks or dedicated technologies.

The carbon footprint, which represents the amount of greenhouse gas emissions expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), is tracked across three areas—known as "Scopes":

Scope 1 comprises direct emissions associated with airport operations. Examples include the consumption of fuel and natural gas, emissions from wastewater treatment, and leaks from air conditioning systems.

Scope 2 consists of indirect emissions from electricity; these do not originate directly at the airport but result from its activities.

Scope 3 encompasses other indirect emissions. These are emissions resulting from airport operations that lie outside the airport's ownership and control. This category includes emissions generated during the various phases of aircraft flight—approach, landing, taxiing, and takeoff (the so-called LTO cycle)—as well as emissions from passenger travel to the airport, employee business travel, the use of ground support equipment, the operation of APUs (Auxiliary Power Units), and others.

Carbon footprint – Scope 1, 2 and 3

Our objective is not “only” to plant trees – we are trying to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of fauna and flora (of course, only in places where operation safety is not at risk). These efforts take the form of preventive measures (placement of stickers preventing bird collisions with buildings) and primarily supportive measures (enhancing and connecting landscape features). We do not only focus on the fenced area of the airport, but also on its immediate surroundings through supporting specific plans of the surrounding municipalities and city districts as part of the Biodiversity Programme.

We recognise the importance of biodiversity and are looking for ways to support it effectively. With this idea, the Biodiversity Grant Programme was designed, focused on the regeneration of the landscape, strengthening the diversity of species, natural retention of water in the landscape, and educational activities.

Eligible to apply for the support under this programme are municipalities, city districts, and the educational facilities established by them, non-profit and other professional and scientific organizations operating near the airport.

Learn more about the programme

There are more than 40 species of woody plants growing on the airport’s premises, totalling more than 3,000 pieces (geographically native broadleaves dominate). We are aware of the beneficial impact grown trees have on the habitat microclimate in the summer months. When planning and implementing construction projects, our priority is to minimize the need for felling. However, if it must occur, we always ensure compensation planting with appropriate aftercare. By mowing grass areas to an optimum height that does not pose a risk to the safe operation of the airport, we aim to prevent excessive evaporation during the summer months.

Tending to greenery and dealing with rainwater are closely connected issues because they have a positive impact on the airport’s environment and its microclimate. Project objectives are always planned with regard to the possibilities of retention and use of rainwater. The emphasis is placed on natural jamming of rainwater, or its capturing in retention facilities for its future use (e.g. watering). If the character of the planned construction and its surrounding allows it, we try to implement green rooftops, which use rainwater efficiently and have a positive impact on the microclimate and biodiversity.

CEM = Collaborative Environmental Management. It is a European initiative introduced by the international air traffic management organization EUROCONTROL and supported by other civil aviation bodies, in particular ACI EUROPE (the European branch of the International Airports Council). Based on the need for cooperation and coordination among key partners of Prague Airport in the field of environmental protection, the CEM working group was established (Prague Airport, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic, Czech Airlines, Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic).

Cooperation of individual partners brings:

• optimization of operational procedures,
• increased performance and efficiency of individual activities related to aircraft handling,
• reduction of operational costs,
• effective protection of individual components of the environment,
• joint communication of procedures and activities for environmental protection.

As part of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, we involve partners in activities aimed at reducing CO2e emissions. Examples of specific projects contributing to emission reductions can be found below.

• A-CDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) – a concept for airport operation based on high-quality exchange of information and efficient cooperation of all involved partners.

• APU (auxiliary power unit) – restriction of the use of this aircraft propulsion unit and connection to the airport's electrical source.

• Electricity from RES – ensuring the purchase of guarantees of origin of electricity from renewable energy sources for some companies at the airport.

• We live here together – a grant program to protect the environment and improve the living conditions of residents affected by air traffic.

• WheelTug – Prague Airport has become one of the partners supporting the development of new technology enabling aircraft to use on-board electric motors for taxiing between terminals and runways. The airport provided facilities and space for testing.

Prague Airport has long been committed to encouraging airlines to use modern aircraft and comply with applicable regulations to ensure environmentally friendly operations. One of the tools used to support this approach is the Top Sustainable Airline award, based on three criteria: noise, emissions produced by aircraft operated at Václav Havel Airport Prague, and airlines’ approach, commitments and activities in the field of sustainability.

The award aims to motivate airlines to operate quieter and more sustainable aircraft on flights to Prague. The winner of the Top Sustainable Airline 2025 award was EasyJet.

The Top Sustainable Airline Award results here: https://www.prg.aero/en/top-sustainable-airline

Prague Airport has decided to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, especially in gastronomy, ahead of the official restrictions. To make a responsible decision on the selection of specific product/packaging variants, Prague Airport has commissioned an LCA analysis, which assesses the product’s entire life cycle and its impact on the environment. We have avoided the transition to bioplastics because many of them are not yet produced in a way that is truly beneficial to the environment. One of the programme’s measures was the installation of water drains in front of the security screening points and drinking fountains behind the screening points to refill drinking water into the bottles emptied before undergoing the screening. The other project is Binless Office, which promotes a higher rate of recycling of individual waste types. In terms of plastic consumption, tens of thousands of plastic bags used in office bins are saved.

As a public procurement authority, we push for more environmentally friendly solutions, social aspects and innovative solutions in tenders for suppliers of services, products and materials. We primarily emphasise the strategic areas of the ESG. Through responsible public procurement, we co-create the pressure on the suppliers and promote the supplies of more sustainable and innovative variants of products and services.