Hyderabad, India – Taking a leap towards sustainability, GMR Hyderabad International Airport announced its transition to 100 percent sustainable green energy for its energy consumption at the airport and across its ecosystem on 3 July 2023.
Hyderabad Airport, in partnership with Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited, TSSPDCL will revolutionalise its operation 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 9300 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Speaking on this milestone, Mr Pradeep Panicker CEO of GHIAL said, “In line with our belief in sustainable practices and renewable energy, this momentous achievement 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 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 tons of carbon dioxide from the environment annually.
The Hyderabad Airport has implemented a comprehensive set of commitments in line with its Environmental & Sustainability Policy. These measures have been carefully designed to contribute to the International Civil Aviation Organization’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 utilization of renewable energy sources to power airport operations.
- Practising energy management techniques to optimize energy usage and promote conservation.
- Encouraging behavioural changes to foster energy-saving habits.
- Procuring energy-efficient equipment.
GHIAL has repeatedly shown its dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability. The CII honoured GHIAL with the "National Energy Leader Award" in 2019, 2020, and 2021. It has also clinched the prestigious “ Excellency-Gold Award” in Telangana State Energy Conservation Awards in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, in 2021, GHIAL got the BEE’s "Certificate of Merit" for attaining the highest NECA score of 89.26 percent.
Over the years, the GHIAL’s operations have resulted in significant energy savings of around 15.5 million units (MU). GHIAL is a proud Carbon Neutral Airport, having received Level 3+ "Neutrality" Accreditation from the Airports Council International as part of its Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.
