VINCI Airports has announced that Lyon Airport has reached net zero emissions as of May 2025. It is the first airport in France with more than ten million passengers to achieve this milestone. Toulon Airport reached the target in 2023.
Lyon Airport’s environmental action plan, managed by VINCI Airports since 2016, has cut direct CO2 emissions by 94%. This reduction covers scopes one and two between 2013 and 2024.
Several measures enabled the achievement. Solar power is now produced for self-consumption. Lighting is fully LED. All electricity used is green with guarantees of origin. Heating is now provided by 100% biogas, also certified with guarantees of origin. The airport also recovers heat from co-generation based on biogas.
The vehicle fleet has been optimised and partly electrified. Air conditioning has been improved through new equipment, better management, and prevention of refrigerant leaks.
The original target year was 2026, but Lyon Airport reached net-zero one year early. The airport has pledged to keep emissions below 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. Residual emissions are offset through local reforestation projects.
These projects, certified under the ‘Low Carbon Label’, were launched in 2021 and 2022 with local partners. The Rhône Department and the National Forestry Office are both involved. The sites are in the northern Beaujolais region of France.
Lyon Airport has also obtained ACA5 certification. This recognises both the reduction of direct emissions and support for stakeholders.
