Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airport Infrastructure Limited, proudly announces that Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport in Asia to secure Level 5 Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport status under the Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program.
This esteemed certification highlights the airport’s dedication to achieving and maintaining a net zero carbon balance for emissions within its control (Scope 1 and 2), while also actively managing and reporting on other emissions (Scope 3).
Delhi Airport’s attainment of Level 5 certification demonstrates its leadership in sustainability and carbon management. Originally targeting 2030 for this goal, DIAL has surpassed expectations by reaching it ahead of schedule through relentless efforts, innovative strategies, and proactive measures including renewable energy adoption, green infrastructure development, electric vehicle promotion, and zero waste to landfill initiatives.
With Level 5 certification, Delhi Airport has achieved a remarkable 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions. Residual emissions have been addressed through approved offset removals, meeting the ACA program’s rigorous standards. Furthermore, DIAL has pledged to achieve net zero in Scope 3 emissions by 2050, aligning with ACI’s ACA frameworks and global sustainability goals.
Mr. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, commented: “Our focus on reducing carbon emissions has been a key priority at IGIA. Achieving carbon-neutral status in 2016 and Level 4+ accreditation in 2020 was just the beginning. With the attainment of Level 5 net zero accreditation in 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability. As we tackle climate change challenges, we are dedicated to further reducing our carbon footprint and exploring sustainable aviation fuel options for Scope 3 emissions. Achieving ACI’s Level 5 certification well ahead of our target date showcases our dedication to sustainability and innovation.”
Key Initiatives and Achievements:
- Renewable Energy: Installation of a 7.84 MW solar power plant and sourcing additional renewable electricity through open access, eliminating about 200,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Green Building Certification: Terminal 3 holds LEED Gold and IGBC Platinum certifications, while Terminal 1, under development, has received LEED Platinum Pre-certification, totaling 764,000 m² of certified green building area by the end of 2023.
- Water Management: More than 350 rainwater harvesting systems and a zero liquid discharge sewage treatment plant, aiming for water-positive status.
- Operational Efficiency: The Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system improves air traffic flow, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
- Electric Vehicles and TaxiBots: Adoption of electric vehicles and TaxiBots has significantly cut fuel consumption and emissions during aircraft taxiing.
- Elevated Eastern Cross Taxi Way: Reduced taxiing time and improved efficiency, cutting CO2 emissions by approximately 55,000 tonnes annually.
- Energy Management System: DIAL is the first airport globally to adopt and certify an ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System, leading to reduced fuel and electricity consumption over the years.
About Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA)
The ACA program offers a comprehensive framework for active carbon management at airports, recognizing best practices in carbon reduction with five progressive levels. Level 5 is the highest, representing an airport’s commitment to maintaining net zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 while addressing Scope 3 emissions.
About GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited
GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited (GIL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. In 2020, Groupe ADP joined as a strategic partner and co-promoter. GIL also provides aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its Aerotropolis concept, GIL develops cutting-edge airport cities and operates India’s largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
As Asia’s largest private airport operator and the second-largest globally, GIL served over 121 million passengers in FY24 and is committed to excellence in airport management, supported by consistent ACI and Skytrax rankings. GIL operates key airports in India and Southeast Asia and is involved in transformative projects in India and Greece.
About Groupe ADP
Groupe ADP develops and manages major airports including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2023, the group handled nearly 336.4 million passengers globally. The group is focused on modernizing its terminal facilities and expanding its retail and real estate businesses. In 2023, its revenue was €5,495 million with a net income of €631 million.
