In the past few years, the aviation industry has experienced exponential growth. In the upcoming years, this development is expected to continue at a faster pace.
This growth has increased the need to overlook the substantial volume of waste generated during air travel. This is what the Green Airport Recognition (GAR) Programme aims to achieve. It recognises airports for their commitment to sustainable development to ensure growth for all of us, including future generations.
For the year 2023, DIAL’s efforts to go green have been rewarded with a silver rating in over 35 million passengers per annum category under the GAR programme.
Here is all you need to know about DIAL’s new achievement!
The Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific recognises airports from the Asia Pacific region for demonstrating outstanding efforts in their sustainability projects under Green Airport Recognition Programme.
Established in 2017, the GAR programme accentuates why airports should follow and promote the best environmental practices. It aims to minimise the negative impact of the aviation industry on our surroundings.
In the present world, where the effect of global warming on climate change is so apparent, going green and following a sustainable approach is essential for holistic growth. It is necessary for all of us to make wise and responsible choices for inclusive growth.
As the Green Airport Recognition programme enters its seventh year in 2023, it has brought to light the concerning impact of single-use plastic in the air travel industry. So, to promote environmental-friendly practices, GAR has decided on ‘Single Use Plastic Elimination’ as the theme for this year.
Among the 12 airports rewarded in the Asia Pacific and Middle East for demonstrating outstanding accomplishments in reducing the use of plastic, Delhi Airport has bagged a silver rating in over 35 million passengers per annum category.
In 2020, Delhi Airport became India’s first single-use plastic-free airport. Since single-use plastic results in widespread littering and threatens ecosystems, this is a significant step towards developing a sustainable world. The ban on single-use plastic shows DIAL’s commitment to preserving the environment and realising its aim of becoming a net zero carbon emission airport by 2030.
Besides, DIAL’s renewable energy use, green transportation, development of green airport infrastructure, energy conservation, state-of-the-art water sewage treatment plant, and efficiency improvement programs are a few other initiatives by the facility to ensure sustainable growth.
On this occasion, Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific said, “Congratulations to all the recognised airports for demonstrating their leadership and commitment to implementing innovative sustainability projects at airports. These are critical steps as part of our industry’s efforts towards protecting our environment as well as decarbonisation. We are impressed with the innovative practices deployed by airport operators to mitigate plastic contamination. We hope these unique concepts will inspire other airports to implement such practices as we all work towards the common vision of achieving net zero carbon emission by 2050.”
Delhi Airport has been working non-stop towards realising the goal of attaining sustainable development. In the past years, Delhi Airport has taken many steps like the ban on single-use plastic to promote sustainable practices. ACI has recognised DIAL’s efforts to go green and ban single-plastic use by giving it a silver rating at Green Airport Recognition Program.