Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad in Hyderabad has taken a momentous leap towards sustainability by announcing its transition to 100 percent sustainable green energy for its energy consumption.
The move by RGIA, in collaboration with the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL), will revolutionise its operations by harnessing the power of green energy, said the airport authorities in a statement.
The airport’s transition to green energy will be accomplished through a combination of its own 10 MWp (megawatt peak) solar power plant and the green energy supplied by TSSPDCL.
To reduce carbon footprint
This integration of green energy into the airport’s operation and infrastructure will significantly reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 9,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
RGIA CEO Pradeep Panicker expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone achievement, emphasising the airport’s commitment to sustainable practices and renewable energy.
He said: “In line with our belief in sustainable practices and renewable energy, this momentous achievement is a significant step towards our commitment to adopting environmentally friendly practices across the airport ecosystem. Hyderabad Airport is now powered by 100 percent renewable energy.”
“We have systematically worked on reducing our carbon footprint over the years by implementing various measures and will continue to do so,” he added.
According to the statement released by RGIA, it has been at the forefront of adopting energy-efficient practices, positioning itself as a leader in the industry.
First LEED-certified airport
It became the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified airport in Asia, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
The airport spans over 675 acres, incorporating an expansive green belt that acts as a natural carbon emissions sink, absorbing 240 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the environment annually, said the authorities.
According to the statement, these measures have been thoughtfully designed to contribute to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) environmental goal of limiting or reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation on the global climate.
Some of the measures are:
Incorporating green building designs,
Adopting eco-friendly refrigerants,
Implementing progressive generation and utilisation of renewable energy sources to power airport operations,
Practising energy management techniques to optimise energy usage and promote conservation,
Eencouraging behavioural changes to foster energy-saving habits
Procuring energy-efficient equipment.
The release also claimed that over the years, RGIA operations resulted in substantial energy savings, amounting to approximately 15.5 million units (MU).
The airport also holds the status of a Carbon Neutral Airport, having received Level 3+ “Neutrality” Accreditation from the Airports Council International as part of its Airport Carbon Accreditation program.