Avinor's climate goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

-Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is central to Avinor's strategy. Air traffic is the dominant source of emissions in the aviation industry, but all stakeholders must take responsibility for systematic emissions reduction. We have now set climate goals that align with the Paris Agreement. Our goal is to reduce our own emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 42% in 2030 compared to 2022. Avinor has been working to reduce its own emissions for many years, and this effort will now be intensified, says CEO Abraham Foss of Avinor.

-One of the most important measures is to establish a biogas plant at Svalbard Airport. We will also continue to phase in electric vehicles where possible and use advanced biodiesel in our heavy vehicles. We are working to optimize airspace so that airlines use less fuel, and we are driving the adoption and production of sustainable aviation fuel as well as the development and testing of zero- and low-emission aircraft, says Foss.

Important for the state as an owner

-I would like to congratulate Avinor on setting science-based climate goals. It is important for the state as an owner that our companies are leaders in transparency and reporting. This gives credibility to the companies' climate work and enables progress to be measured in a clear and verifiable manner, says Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård.

There is a clear expectation in the ownership report that state-owned companies should lead the way and set science-based climate goals for their emissions reduction efforts. Avinor is the first company owned by the Ministry of Transport to have its goals validated and approved by SBTi.

What is science-based climate goals?

Science-based climate goals is a method and tool for setting goals and reducing emissions in companies. It is a comprehensive process that requires a good overview of both direct and indirect emissions the business has. Once the goals have been evaluated and approved by SBTi, annual progress reporting is required.

Short-term as well as long-term goals

The goals are evaluated according to SBTi's recognized Net-Zero Standard Criteria. Avinor's climate goals are both short-term (2030) and long-term (2050), and they encompass Avinor's direct emissions (scope 1), indirect emissions from energy (scope 2), and emissions in Avinor's value chain (scope 3). An absolute goal has been set for scope 1 and 2 (emission reduction in own operations and energy consumption), as well as an engagement goal for scope 3 (influencing customers to set their own SBTi goals).

List of measures

Several measures need to be implemented in the coming years to achieve the goal of a 42% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the level in 2022. Some of the measures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions gradually rather than linearly.

Energy:

• Establish a biogas plant at Svalbard Airport
• Reduce own energy consumption
• Expand the use of renewable energy

Vehicles:

• Phase in zero-emission vehicles/biogas where possible
• Continue to use advanced biodiesel and phase in advanced biodiesel at more airports

De-icing:

• Reduce the use of de-icing chemicals through innovation
• Collaborate with airport operators in Scandinavia to demand fossil-free de-icing.

Short-term and long-term goals:

• Avinor AS commits to reducing absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in scope 1 and 2 by 42 percent by 2030, compared to 2022*. Avinor AS also commits to having 71 percent of the company's customers in the "Use of sold products" category with science-based goals by the end of 2028.

• Avinor AS commits to reducing absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in scope 1, 2, and 3 by 90 percent by 2050, compared to the baseline in 2022*.

*The goal includes emissions and removals of greenhouse gases associated with agriculture and bioenergy resources.