Reduction: The Reduction step requires carbon management and progress towards a reduced carbon footprint.

To achieve this level of accreditation, an airport has to set carbon emission control targets and prove that a reduction in the carbon footprint has occurred in consecutive years. The airport has to show a low carbon/low energy policy, appoint a senior committee for climate change/ carbon/ energy matters, monitor consumption of fuel & energy, undertakes awareness training about emissions for staff and reach set targets.

Optimization: The Optimization step of Airport Carbon Accreditation requires third party engagement in carbon footprint reduction. Third parties include airlines and various service providers, for example, independent ground handlers, catering companies, air traffic control and others working on the airport site. It also involves engagement on surface access modes (road, rail) with authorities and users. Scope 3 emissions to be measured include, landing and take-off cycle emissions, surface access to the airport for passengers and staff, staff business travel emissions

Neutrality: The Neutrality step of Airport Carbon Accreditation requires neutralizing remaining direct carbon emissions by offsetting. Carbon neutrality is when the net carbon dioxide emissions over an entire year is zero (i.e. the airport absorbs the same amount of carbon dioxide as it produces). Achieving carbon neutrality for an airport is in almost all cases impossible without external help. For this reason, airports, among many other industries, look to carbon offsetting as the final part of the solution. Carbon offsetting is providing funds or resources to other projects that reduce carbon dioxide so as to make up for the emissions that one is not able to eliminate.