Climate protection strategy
CO₂ emissions: Net Zero by 2035
Munich Airport’s operations are to leave no CO₂ in the atmosphere by 2035 at the latest. Net Zero means that we will reduce the CO₂ emissions within our control by at least 90 percent. The remaining maximum of ten percent will be actively and permanently removed from the atmosphere with suitable projects. The net zero target comprises four areas:
In terms of our energy supply, we are focusing on the use of gas from renewable sources for the airport’s own block heat and power plant, the expansion of photovoltaic systems, the purchase of renewable electricity, and the development of an additional electricity grid to ensure a sufficient supply of green electricity in the future.
In the area of mobility, we will electrify our vehicle pool or use alternative fuels. By 2030, all vehicles operating on the apron at Munich Airport are to use climate-friendly propulsion systems.
Focusing on airport technical systems, after the conversion of the entire apron lighting to LED technology, the lighting systems on the runways will also be gradually replaced. Additional measures include the step-by-step conversion of baggage handling systems and passenger boarding bridges to more energy-efficient motor technologies.
New buildings are constructed sustainably and in a climate-friendly manner, with low energy consumption. Our existing buildings are being optimized for energy efficiency. Efficient ventilation technology and improved control of air conditioning and heating systems are envisaged for this purpose. We also save energy through the changeover of lighting systems, for example in the parking garages and the terminal.
The remaining emissions generated by our company must be actively and permanently removed from the atmosphere. In 2021, we began transforming a conventional commercial forest into a resilient climate forest for this purpose. This binds CO₂ from the atmosphere, which remains stored even when timber is harvested. Further projects are being evaluated – for example, the rewetting of moorlands, building humus in agriculture, or suitable systems for filtering and storing CO₂.
Net Zero 2035
Sustainable flying: together for the future
A major part of the «Fit-for-55» package of directives within the European Green Deal is «ReFuelEU Aviation.» The aim is to increase the use of «sustainable aviation fuels» (SAFs) and ensure a level playing field throughout the EU aviation market. In October 2023, Lufthansa AG, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Airbus SE, MTU Aero Engines AG, and Flughafen München GmbH signed a letter of intent for a research partnership on power-to-liquid aviation fuels (PtL). The planned cooperation is intended to combine the strengths of leading aviation companies and science in order to accelerate the technology selection, market launch, and industrial scaling of PtL aviation fuels in Germany. Since 2021, the refueling infrastructure at Munich Airport has been certified for the delivery, storage, and refueling of sustainable aviation fuels. The trading and supply of fuel are the responsibility of the airlines.
We pursue a dual climate strategy to help promote a more climate- and environmentally-friendly air transport sector. That is why we support airlines in reducing their emissions at our site. Pre-conditioned air systems (PCA) supply parked aircraft cabins with pre-cooled fresh air, thereby reducing kerosene consumption and the associated CO₂ emissions. Munich Airport has installed a total of 64 such systems at all apron positions close to buildings. This measure alone can help avoid up to 23,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year. In addition, the use of ground power significantly reduces aircraft carbon dioxide emissions while parked, as kerosene-powered auxiliary power units (APUs) can be shut off.