APA Issue 1, 2022
LEADING BY EXAMPLE Being one of the world’s most environment friendly and sustainable gateways is a top priority for Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, writes CEO, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar.
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irports have always been in the spotlight when it comes to their impact on the environment and the steps taken by them to operate in a sustainable manner, and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is no exception. Fortunately, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) – the GMR Infrastructure-led consortium that manages and operates DEL – is 100% committed to being at the forefront of environmental protection and sustainable development. Indeed, Delhi Airport has integrated sustainability into its operations and infrastructure and, over the years, has remained focused on upholding high service standards and operational excellence. Today, Delhi Airport has become the benchmark for other airports to emulate, especially when it comes to sustainability. It is set to become a Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport by 2030, for example, way ahead of the IPCC’s 2050 target adopted by most major industries across the world. The sustainability framework of Delhi Airport is focused on: • Creating economic value • Delivering service excellence • Caring for the environment • Improving quality of life.
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As a result, DIAL strives to be a leader in environment sustainability management by adopting sustainable development practices, ‘green’ infrastructures and environmentally friendly initiatives. In fact, after meticulously monitoring the global and national sustainability requirements and commitments for the airport business, we have incorporated them into our business strategy. So, DIAL follows the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030), ICAO’s environmental objectives, and all other relevant governmental initiatives designed to transform airports into a more sustainable and environment friendly business. At Delhi Airport we have whole heartedly embraced ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, which is the only global framework for airports to manage and reduce carbon emissions. I believe that Delhi Airport was one of the first gateways in the region to be accredited and, in 2016, this led to us becoming the first airport in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve Level 3+ ‘Neutrality’ status. But we didn’t stop there and, in 2020, became the first in Asia-Pacific – and only the second in the world –
