One must care about the world one will not see
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, regarded as the father of our nation had said that we
should act as ‘trustees’ and use natural resources wisely as it is our moral
responsibility to ensure that we bequeath to the future generations a healthy
planet.
India has been active in addressing the climate change challenge. India
ratified the Kyoto Protocol, has been involved in the international negotiations
to develop a successor to this protocol, formulated a National Action Plan on
Climate Change (2008), introduced eight National Missions (e.g. enhanced
energy efficiency, strategic knowledge for climate change), established the
Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment, and developed several
Clean Development Mechanism(CDM) projects.
Apart from this, Airports Authority of India (AAI) is also working on several
projects to improve the air traffic management at airports. The stakeholders
have been advised to establish Environment Cell in their organisations and to
develop their carbon footprint. Airlines have been advised for retrofitting on
existing aircraft, adopting aggressive fuel efficiency methods, exploring the
possibility of using biofuels, fixing of winglets & riblets, minimising dead
weights on board, improving load factors, adhering to the maintenance
schedules, selection of appropriate aircraft on a particular route, improving
taxing and parking procedures, etc.
The first carbon footprint report for the year 2011 was released by DGCA and
the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
during the 49th DGCA Conference held in October, 2012 in New IGIA. The
carbon footprint for the year 2012 was released during 38th ICAO General
Assembly held at Montreal, Canada during September/ October, 2013.
Airport initiatives
Since airports represent the nodal point of aviation activities such flights,
passenger/public access and third party operations, it shall play a key role in
establishing guidelines for emission reductions. Airports can contribute to the
reduction of aircraft emissions in collaboration with airlines, air traffic control
and public authorities. In India, GMR Group and GVK Group are two major
players in aviation industry, today.
GMR Group being a conscious partner, has been proactive in adopting
measures towards GHG emissions. The GMR Group’s , Indira Gandhi
International Airport (IGIA), IGIA is one of the founding members of the India
Green House Gas Program, an initiative by CII (Confederation of Indian
Industries), TERI(The Energy & Resources Institute) and WRI (World
Resources Institute), to support organisations to map and reduce greenhouse
gases from various sectors.
IGIA is the first in the world to have achieved LEED Gold rating for its green
infrastructure. Terminal 3 of IGI Airport is passenger and environmentally
responsible airport facilities.
IGI Airport was the first airport in India to achieve Gold rating in the year 2015.
Besides it has also received “the best practices award in renewable energy
and GHG management” during the year 2015.
IGI airport’s EMS is certified as per ISO 14001:2004 since 2009. It is also
certified under ISO 14064 for its GHG emission inventory and management.
The airport has achieved Level 3 (optimisation of GHG emission) under
Carbon Accreditation program managed by Airport Council International (ACI).
IGI airport is the first airport in the world to be certified for Energy
Management System (ISO 50001:2011). With adoption of this, the airport is
mandated to have all its processes well mapped, regularly reviewed and
constantly improved to meet the airport policies. It helps in significant carbon
emission reduction from airport function.
FEGP units prevent the use of auxiliary power unit resulting in reduced
emissions from fuel combustion and related noise from aircraft APU. Aircrafts
on ground require electrical energy for operating their control systems and
other internal components. There are 78 stands at T3 equipped with FEGP
and PCA units which significantly support in green building initiative at IGI
airport.
GHG inventory
Conclusion
GMR Group has recognised the contribution that aviation makes to economic,
social and cultural development in India and worldwide. They have also
recognised the impact of aviation that can have on local communities and the
environment. They believe that both aviation and airports can expand
sustainably by enhancing economic and social benefits while also respecting
environmental limits. They believe that the growth of aviation and avoiding
dangerous climate change is not a zero sum game. Both can be achieved
through use of technological advanced infrastructures, low carbon fuels and
more efficient operations supported by aviation’s participation with
stakeholders.
Thus, achieving sustainable airports is key to GMR Group’s vision for their
airports to be ‘India’s hub of choice’.
References
1. “Carbon Footprint of Indian Aviation”, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, 2013
202
RELATED TOPICS
Emissions, Environment, Regulation & Legislation, Sustainable development
RELATED AIRPORTS
Indira Gandhi International Airport
RELATED ORGANISATIONS
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
RELATED REGIONS
Central and South Asia
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