Delhi Airport Achieves Net Zero Carbon Emission Status
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi has become the first Indian airport to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport status under the Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. This milestone was announced by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airport Infrastructure Limited, on August 14.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Level 5 certification recognizes the airport’s efforts to maintain a net zero carbon balance for emissions under its control and to influence and report on all other emissions. The airport aims to become a Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport by 2030.
Innovative Strategies
DIAL has implemented various strategies to achieve this goal, including the adoption of renewable energy, development of green airport infrastructures, promotion of electric vehicles, and implementation of zero waste to landfill programs. These efforts have led to a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions, with the remaining emissions addressed through approved offset removals.
Future Goals
DIAL is also committed to achieving net zero in Scope 3 emissions by 2050, aligning with ACI’s ACA frameworks and global sustainability goals. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, emphasized the airport’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and exploring sustainable aviation fuel options.
Achieving ACI’s Level 5 certification ahead of schedule is a testament to the airport’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Doubts Revealed
Net Zero Carbon Emission -: This means that the airport is not adding any extra carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. They balance out the carbon they produce by reducing emissions and using clean energy.
Indira Gandhi International Airport -: This is the main airport in New Delhi, the capital of India. It is named after Indira Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India.
Airport Council International -: This is a group that represents airports around the world. They help airports improve and follow best practices.
Airport Carbon Accreditation program -: This is a program that helps airports measure and reduce their carbon emissions. It gives awards to airports that do a good job.
renewable energy -: This is energy that comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, and water. It doesn’t run out and is better for the environment.
green infrastructure -: These are buildings and systems that are designed to be environmentally friendly. They use less energy and resources.
electric vehicle -: These are cars or other vehicles that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. They produce less pollution.
DIAL -: This stands for Delhi International Airport Limited. It is the company that manages the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Scope 3 emissions -: These are emissions that are not directly produced by the airport but are related to its activities, like the travel of passengers and goods. DIAL aims to reduce these emissions by 2050.