Going Green: Hyderabad airport to switch to 100% sustainable energy

Hyderabad: Taking a leap towards sustainability, GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) on Monday announced its transition to 100 per cent sustainable green energy for its energy consumption at the airport and across its ecosystem.

Hyderabad Airport, in partnership with Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL), will operate by harnessing the power of green energy through a combination of its own 10 MWp (megawatt peak) solar power plant and green energy supplied by TSSPDCL. The airport by integrating green energy into its operation and infrastructure will reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 9,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Speaking about the change, Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GHIAL said, “In line with our belief in sustainable practices and renewable energy, this is a significant step towards our commitment towards adopting environmentally-friendly practices across the airport ecosystem. Hyderabad Airport is now powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. We have systematically worked on reducing our carbon footprint through the years by implementing various measures and will continue to do so.”

GHIAL has been at the forefront of adopting energy-efficient practices ever since it started operations. It was the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified airport in Asia. Moreover, the airport encompasses a vast landscape spanning over 675 acres. This expansive green belt serves as a natural carbon emissions sink, absorbing 240 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the environment annually.

Hyderabad Airport has implemented a comprehensive set of commitments in line with its Environmental and Sustainability Policy. These measures have been carefully designed to contribute to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) environmental goal of limiting or reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from aviation on the global climate.

Some of these commitments include incorporating green building designs, adopting eco-friendly refrigerants in accordance with the latest technological advancements, implementing progressive generation and utilisation of renewable energy sources to power airport operations, practising energy management techniques to optimise energy usage and promote conservation, encouraging behavioural changes to foster energy-saving habits and procuring energy-efficient equipment.