Andrea Carroll
Group Director of Sustainability
Airport and travel retail group receives recognition for its sustainability efforts, proving sustainability can be a priority, rather than an afterthought.
daa has hit a major milestone — our emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This places us among a select group of organisations whose climate goals align with the Paris Agreement and the best available science. It wasn’t easy, but it signals our ambition and underpins our roadmap to net zero by 2050.
“Validation by SBTi is more than a milestone. It’s a statement of intent,” says Andrea Carroll, Group Director of Sustainability. “daa is serious about climate action and committed to supporting aviation’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
Why the validation matters
SBTi is the most globally recognised independent validation of climate-related target reductions and plans, and validation of our targets ensures that we’re doing everything we can to set a credible path to net zero emissions for our business. It proves that meaningful decarbonisation is possible and that we’re playing our part in the race to keep 1.5C within reach.
From next month, all car park shuttle buses at Dublin Airport will transition to a fully electric fleet,
delivering a significant reduction in ground transport emissions and further supporting our net-zero roadmap.
Big moves at Dublin and Cork Airports
Sustainability isn’t a side project — it’s built into our strategy. At Dublin Airport, a €627 million investment programme, backed by the European Investment Bank, is driving change through large-scale solar installations, EV charging infrastructure, water system upgrades and geothermal feasibility studies. Our solar farm’s Phase 1 already powers 13% of Dublin Airport’s electricity needs, and Phase 2 will push that beyond 20% by 2030. From next month, all car park shuttle buses at Dublin Airport will transition to a fully electric fleet, delivering a significant reduction in ground transport emissions and further supporting our net-zero roadmap.Cork Airport is also exploring solar energy and has led the Irish semi-state sector in energy savings for two consecutive years.
We’re rolling out renewables, electrification, biodiversity initiatives and leveraging ESG finance to maximise impact. Digital tools help us manage these systems efficiently, from live occupancy sensors and smart water and energy controls to AI-driven passenger services that optimise resources and improve resilience.
Our investments are designed to improve the passenger experience while reducing environmental impact. Electrified fleets cut emissions on the ground. Renewable energy powers reliable terminal services. And in our lounges, 75% of existing furniture has been reused as part of our circularity goals, proving comfort and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Our commitment: continue to invest, innovate and act, driving down emissions, expanding renewable energy and embedding sustainability into every decision we make. We’re determined to deliver a net-zero future by 2050, ensuring Ireland’s airports remain at the forefront of climate action while providing world-class passenger experiences.
