Zurich Airport Ltd. aspires to be one of the leading airport operators in sustainability.
Doing business sustainably –out of conviction
Sustainability strategy
For Zurich Airport Ltd., sustainability means balancing economic success with climate and environmental protection, social responsibility and long-term benefits for the region. Therefore, Zurich Airport Ltd. has defined five strategic priorities and four foundational topics for the period up to 2030.
The five strategic priorities
- Build and operate infrastructure sustainably
The construction work planned for the coming years and the maintenance of existing infrastructure will be carried out to high environmental standards.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Zurich Airport Ltd. will reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) to net zero by 2040. In addition, Zurich Airport Ltd. works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air traffic, its airport partners and the wider value chain. (Scope 3)
- Reduce noise
Zurich Airport Ltd. aims to reduce noise exposure, particularly at night. This is to be achieved by reducing evening delays and implementing sound insulation measures.
- Create value for the region
The airport is important to the region, not only as a transport hub, but also as a leisure destination, as a customer of regional suppliers, as a provider of vocational training and through its community engagement.
- Conduct business fairly and responsibly
Respect for human and labour rights and the prevention of child labour are key aspects for the company and are taken into account throughout its value chain.
Our foundations
In addition to the five strategic priorities, Zurich Airport Ltd. remains committed to the following four foundational topics.
- Safety and security
- Employee satisfaction
- Accessibility for all
- Business ethics
The Sustainability Strategy 2030 applies to Zurich airport and to majority-owned airports abroad. Each site defines specific areas for action based on the strategic priorities and foundational topics. Progress in these areas is reviewed annually.
Our contribution to the global sustainable development goals
The United Nations Agenda 2030 is intended to secure sustainable development at an economic, environmental and social level. At its heart are 17 defined sustainable development goals (SDGs). By doing business responsibly, Zurich Airport Ltd. is also contributing to attainment of the SDGs. It has chosen to focus in particular on six of these goals where it believes it can make an especially valuable contribution. The company is also contributing to the achievement of another nine of the goals as well, making a total of 15 goals where it aims to make a difference (see diagram).
Zurich Airport Ltd. contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Initiatives supported
Zurich Airport Ltd. belongs to or supports a number of initiatives concerned with sustainable business management. Here are some of these initiatives and associations:
UN Global Compact (UNGC)
The UN Global Compact is the world’s biggest and most important initiative for sustainable and responsible corporate governance. Zurich Airport Ltd. has been a signatory since 2021 and is a member of the UNGC Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein.
Airport Carbon Accreditation
Airport Carbon Accreditation is an accreditation system that evaluates and reports on how far airports have succeeded in reducing their carbon emissions. Zurich Airport has been part of this scheme since 2010.
Öbu
Öbu is the Swiss Business Council for Sustainable Development and has over 300 member companies. Zurich Airport Ltd. joined this network in 2005.
Exemplary Energy and Climate initiative
The Swiss Confederation’s Exemplary Energy and Climate initiative is part of its Energy Strategy 2050 and is aimed at key providers of vital public services in Switzerland that wish to play an innovative and trailblazing role in relation to energy. Zurich Airport Ltd. has been a member since 2020.
GLIO
The Global Listed Infrastructure Organisation (GLIO) is an association of listed companies in the infrastructure sector. Its services to investors include providing information about sustainability. Zurich Airport Ltd. has been a member since 2016.
Circular Building Charta
Zurich Airport Ltd. joined the Circular Building Charter in 2024. Together with other major property owners in Switzerland, we aim to reduce the use of non-renewable raw materials and embodied greenhouse gas emissions, and to improve circularity.