GMR

GMR Airports: Setting the Standard for Sustainable Aviation

29 February 2024


Did you know that when you travel to and from Delhi Airport, you are part of a journey towards sustainability? Picture this: You step into an airport bustling with activity, but beneath the surface, it is a hub of green energy.

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Sewage Treatment Plant at Delhi Airport
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Solar Power Plant at Goa Airport

Delhi Airport proudly stands as the first airport in India to operate solely on hydro and solar energy, a monumental achievement in our quest to become a Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport by 2030. Transitioning to renewable energy sources will enable Delhi Airport to indirectly cut 200,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with a Himachal Pradesh-based hydropower producer, Delhi Airport ensures that 94% of its electricity needs are met sustainably. The remaining 6% is covered by a combination of a solar power plant on the airside and rooftop installations at the cargo terminal.

Having worked systematically on reducing carbon footprint through the years by implementing various measures, GMR’s Hyderabad Airport is also powered by 100% renewable energy.

With Delhi and Hyderabad airports flaunting their LEED certifications (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Manohar International Airport, Goa became the first airport terminal in the country to bag the Indian Green Building Council's (IGBC) platinum rating under the Green New Buildings rating system. GMR’s Goa Airport installed a 5MW solar power generation system to cater to 60% of the total annual energy consumption. A 340kg organic waste composter has been installed at the Airport to treat 100% of the organic waste generated daily.

EV charging station at Hyderabad Airport parking
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Electric bus at Delhi Airport

But at GMR, our commitment to sustainability doesn't end there. We have embarked on a Green Transportation program, adding electric vehicles to our fleet and gradually phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles. And in a move that's revolutionizing airport operations, we introduced TaxiBots in 2019, allowing aircrafts to taxi without igniting their engines, thus reducing carbon emissions.

Water management is another cornerstone of our environmental efforts, with initiatives like zero liquid discharge sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting structures, and water-efficient fixtures ensuring responsible resource usage.

But perhaps what truly sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of sustainability in every aspect of our operations. From achieving "Level 4+" under ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation program to adopting long-term emission reduction goals aligned with the UN's IPCC 1.5-degree scenario, we are committed to leaving a positive impact on the environment.

A few initiatives that focus on enhancing the airport operations while contributing to climate resilience –

  • “Single-Use Plastic-Free Airport” initiative, certified by a third-party agency at all GMR domestic Airports
  • Paperless flying process from entry to boarding gates using ‘Digiyatra’ App
  • Green zones inside and outside the terminals, combining aesthetics and air-purifying qualities, entirely sustained by recycled water
  • 10 acres nursery at Delhi Airport with lakhs of air-purifying and flowering plants; 9 acres nursery at Hyderabad and over 2 acres at Goa
  • 6,000 saplings are planted around Delhi Airport every year to fight pollution
  • Translocation of trees at Hyderabad airport for construction works
  • Energy efficient designs integrated with smart technologies that identify and rectify areas of high energy consumption

As we continue to push the boundaries of sustainability in airport operations, GMR Airports remains dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions for a greener future. By integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations, we strive not only to meet the challenges of today but also to create a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow for generations to come.