Sustainability is the future. Be it in terms of lifestyle or otherwise, being eco-conscious is the need of the hour, especially when it comes to travel. This is why Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia has said that over 90 airports will become carbon neutral in India by 2024. However, the country already has a handful of such airports, which can be the benchmark for upcoming projects. Here’s a look at them. By Anushka Goel
What are carbon-neutral airports?
Carbon neutrality is achieved when someone balances their carbon dioxide emissions generated through everyday activities with the amount they remove from the atmosphere. Thus, a carbon-neutral airport will be one that has taken on green practices on a larger scale, has purchased carbon credits, and has things such as wastewater recycling, solar energy, LED lighting and more that can offset carbon emissions. This is not all – some of these airports can also fund projects that help reduce carbon emissions even if practising the same is not possible.
Know more about carbon-neutral airports here.
Carbon neutral airports in India
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
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The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is among the first such airports in India. With an aim of having net zero emissions by 2030, the airport, at the moment, runs completely on solar and hydropower and has other interesting measures in place to monitor carbon emissions. This is not all – the presence of plants, huge windows to reduce the use of lights and energy-saving methods ensure that the airport is well on track to achieve its target.
Cochin International Airport, Kochi
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Since 2015, the Cochin International Airport has been emitting almost no carbon as it runs completely on solar power. More solar power plants have been installed since then, and the energy needs have been successfully met by these units.
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
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In 2021, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru achieved an energy-neutral status, writes Indian Express. The place has several other measures to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the environment, apart from its energy-neutral status.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai received Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality certification by Airports Council International (ACI), the global authority of international airports in 2017. The airport has, since then, launched several other initiatives to be termed carbon neutral and give back to the environment.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
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Leh Airport has been built as the country’s first carbon neutral airport, reports suggest. This is being done in tandem with the vision to convert Ladakh into a completely sustainable region. A geothermal system, along with a solar plant, will be used for the new airport terminal building for temperature control as it will exchange the heat between the air and ground for this purpose.
Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar
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The Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar will have indigenous, cost-effective and eco-friendly air traffic management systems in place, making it carbon neutral. The place will also have LED lights, energy-efficient terminal, a solar power plant, wastewater management and more, to make it sustainable and green.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock
Related: Visiting These International Destinations Will Leave A Lighter Carbon Footprint Than You Think
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
