Salvador Bahia Airport Earns Certification and Advances Its ESG Agenda

Salvador Bahia Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has earned Platinum-level ESG certification, recognizing the development of environmental, social and governance practices across its airport operations. The achievement builds on initiatives ranging from operational decarbonization to the promotion of diversity and inclusion, as well as efforts focused on ethics and transparency. It also provides a benchmark for the continuous improvement of the airport’s ESG management.

Awarded by ACRIQ Certificadora, the certification followed an ESG assessment based on ABNT PR 2030, aligned with the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The evaluation considered practices and documentary evidence related to the environmental, social and governance pillars.

On the environmental front, the airport has implemented initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and conserving biodiversity. These include the use of 100% renewable electricity, solar power generation, water and waste management, and energy efficiency improvements, alongside wildlife and plant conservation measures and environmental management across operational areas. In 2025, the airport also achieved Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), an international certification focused on carbon emissions management and reduction in the airport sector.

According to Alessandra Reis, Environmental Manager at VINCI Airports in Brazil, the certification recognizes the progress made and reinforces the importance of integrating sustainability into operational decision-making.

“Environmental management requires ongoing efforts, ranging from emissions reduction and the efficient use of resources to biodiversity conservation. This recognition acknowledges the initiatives we have already implemented and reinforces our commitment to making consistent progress, embedding sustainability into our processes and identifying opportunities for improvement to make our operations increasingly efficient,” she says.

Under the social pillar, Salvador Bahia Airport carries out initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, accessibility and the promotion of human rights. Key initiatives include the launch of LUMI, a program that brings together support and accessibility measures for passengers with non-visible conditions, alongside year-round staff training. The airport also runs the Diversity Ambassadors Program, which equips employees to share knowledge and support inclusive initiatives, as well as cultural initiatives such as the Pride Festival and Ocupa AeroCultural.

The airport’s social engagement also extends to surrounding communities through school visits and environmental education activities, support for projects that help young people enter the job market, and initiatives that connect academic learning with professional practice. In partnership with Instituto Afetto, the airport also provides support and referrals for people experiencing social vulnerability within the terminal.

Daniela Franco, Communications Manager at Salvador Bahia Airport, emphasizes that social responsibility must be part of daily operations and relationships with different stakeholders.

“Diversity and inclusion must go beyond one-off initiatives. Our commitment is to build an environment where people feel respected and welcomed, whether during their travel experience, in the workplace or through our engagement with the community. Initiatives such as LUMI and our partnership with Instituto Afetto help us turn this commitment into concrete practices that deliver results for different groups,” she says.

In governance, Salvador Bahia Airport maintains a framework guided by the principles of ethics, integrity and transparency. Its policies include the Code of Ethics and Conduct, the Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct, the Human Rights Guide and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, as well as ethics and conduct training for employees. The framework also includes an independent, secure and confidential reporting channel, available to employees, partners and the general public to report potential unethical conduct or violations of applicable principles and legislation.

The Platinum level awarded to Salvador Bahia Airport recognizes the concrete initiatives already in place across all three ESG pillars and provides a foundation for the next steps in its ongoing sustainability journey.

(Photos: Will Recarey)