The definition of Level 3

Level 3 indicates environmental plans are actively being implemented across the organisation. This is often dependent on individual efforts, however, and there is no expectation that environmental performance is yet being measured or that benefits realisation is being analysed. Sustainable practices and processes may not yet be embedded to the point where the new culture and behaviours are automatic.

What is GreenATM and why is it important?

The CANSO GreenATM programme was designed by the ATM industry to recognise the unique nature of the industry and to promote increased environmental action by ANSPs.

GreenATM provides ANSPs with an independent, industry-endorsed accreditation of their environmental efforts. ANSPs answer a series of questions on a broad range of topics and provide evidence of their sustainability efforts. The application covers topics related to governance and policy, ground, terminal and enroute operations, infrastructure, and procurement practices. There are five levels in total and the level achieved depends on the points scored in the various topics covered.

GreenATM is vital to highlighting positive ANSP environmental action, raising sustainability awareness and driving improved environmental performance. Studies have identified that efficiency improvements in airspace management and operations could deliver a 6-10% reduction in aviation emissions. The earlier these efficiency gains are made, the greater the cumulative benefits for the climate.

As participation in the accreditation programme grows, the identification and visibility of best practices will increase, allowing for shared learning across the industry. This will inspire coordinated action, identify priorities, and stimulate additional future activity.

What are your plans to further your sustainability efforts in the years ahead? 

The strength of the GreenATM programme is that it pinpoints exactly where an ANSPs efforts are required. This provides a clear roadmap for making effective progress.

We are targeting to reach Level 4 within a reasonable timeframe. We are confident that the upcoming initiatives planned at skeyes will allow us to achieve this ambitious goal. 

What was the most difficult challenge you faced? 

Participating in this accreditation programme did require a lot of effort. The team had to understand and complete the numerous questionnaires and collect all the detailed and relevant information required to achieve the different levels.

Also, the timing was quite challenging as we set ourselves the target of getting the first accreditation by 2023.

What work did you have to do meet the Level 3 criteria?

It was the first skeyes accreditation. skeyes has already implemented numerous initiatives to minimise its environmental impact and has a portfolio of upcoming initiatives and actions.

The Level 3 accreditation is a representation of the present situation and of the initiatives already developed or under development.

Why is the GreenATM accreditation important? 

The importance of the accreditation is twofold. 

First, skeyes is concerned about the industry’s environmental challenges and strives to be a major contributor to sustainability initiatives. Therefore, it is very important to show, through an independent and industry-endorsed accreditation programme, how we actively contribute to improving our environmental efforts.

Second, this Level 3 accreditation in CANSO’s GreenATM also helps to identify the opportunities for improvement and allows us to set the right priorities.