Brussels Airport is on the mission to reach the net carbon emissions by 2030 and to advance its timeline from the original 2050 goal. The airport not only compensates for emissions – it actively cuts them and changes its operations. One of the most transformative steps is to replace the central heating system with a net zero carbon system and to cut 70 percent of CO₂ emissions.
“Brussels Airport is now carbon-neutral, which means that we compensate for the greenhouse gases that we emit,” said Dimitri Betttoni, head of freight and network development at Brussels Airport. “We expand our production of renewable energies, install additional solar modules and use digital twin technology to simulate the decarbonization scenarios.”
“The renovation of the central cargo zone is one of the main initiatives that comprises the construction of net-zero carbon logistics systems. The strategy also emphasizes the optimization of operations, improvement in connectivity and investment in modern infrastructure in order to strengthen sustainability. “
Dimitri Betttoni, Brussels Airport
March 2024 marked a turning point with a 65,000 m² solar panel project in the cargo zone. This initiative will double the airport's solar energy supply from 4 to 9 percent. “Half of the performance generated is used by the airport, while the other half provides environmentally friendly energy to the local freight partners,” said Betttoni.
Sustainability is not a subsequent idea – it is embedded in layer 2027, a strategy for redesigning air freight surgery. “The renovation of the central freight zone is one of the main initiatives that comprises the construction of net-zero carbon logistics systems. The strategy also emphasizes the optimization of operations, improving connectivity and investing in modern infrastructure to strengthen sustainability.”
The advance for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is gaining in dynamics. A partnership with DHL Express and Shell delivers 25,000 tons of SAF, which reduces emissions in air freight. “This helps to reduce the emissions from air freight and the aviation value chain.
The technology accelerates changes. The Digital Green Lane project beams truck loading freight -handover that reduces fuel consumption and delays. “A number of apps were developed to improve the slot booking, freight management and the acceptance of freight,” said Bettoni. The airport also implements E-CMR for transport documentation, RFID tracking for automation and real-time visibility tools for perishable things and pharmaceuticals. “The pharmaceutical dashboard app offers transparency in pharmaceutical handling, ensures compliance and reduction of waste.”
The infrastructure is transformed. Each new freight building must meet the BREEAM Excellence certification and integrate energy efficiency and sustainable materials. “New infrastructure projects prioritize energy efficiency, renewable energies and environmentally friendly materials,” said Betttoni.
Cooperation is the key. The airport works with Air Cargo Belgium (ACB), DHL and other partners to advance green initiatives. “We lead the Stargate EU Green Deal project and focus on digitization, electrification and hydrogen-powered soil devices,” said Bettoni. The waste charta is another crucial step that urges freight partners to reduce waste and improve recycling.
Beyond Carbon, Brussels Airport Airport deals with biological diversity and water protection. Expand green rooms and unnecessary paved areas are removed. “We are actively working on the improvement of the biological diversity. Breeam standards require an action plan for biological diversity and have a comprehensive water strategy with maintenance goals,” said Bettoni.
Challenges remain. Frachter aircraft have a long service life and make modernization slower. “Frachter usually have a longer lifespan and are less often modernized compared to passenger aircraft,” admitted Bettoni. But the shift happens. “Newer, specially built freighers such as the Boeing 777 Frachter and Airbus A350 freighter offer opportunities for more sustainable and efficient freight farms.” The body development devices will also invest electrical and truck partners in electric cars.
Brussels Airport proves that sustainability and air freight growth are not competing goals – they are the future. With brave investments, the latest technologies and strong industry partnerships, the airport will set the standard for a greener one.
The article was originally published in March 2025 edition of the Stat trade times.