Airport does its bit to save power

The Delhi airport authorities are saving Rs. 1 lakh every month by just taking a small step — not switching on the lights during the day.

The Delhi airport authorities are saving Rs. 1 lakh every month by just taking a small step — not switching on the lights during the day.

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The domestic departure terminal 1D of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport relies completely on natural light during day time, saving energy and money in the process. Airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) has already saved Rs. 6 lakh since the terminal was opened in April this year.

“This step has reduced consumption of the airport by more than 265,000 units of electricity, enough to provide power to 75 average homes for an entire year,” said a DIAL spokesman.

“The passenger service area is lit up using natural light from the stylized roof of the building,” he said. Designed by well-known architect Hafeez Contractor, the terminal’s curved roof has huge skylights that direct sunlight into the building.

“This allows the terminal to be lit up by natural light for almost 12 hours a day during summer months,” he said.

Even after the sun sets and lights are put on, energy is conserved by using energy efficient lights such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), T5 lamps and electronic ballasts.

DIAL has also ensured baggage belts don’t run unnecessarily at Terminal 1D. “The baggage handling system uses a ‘power saver mode’ that automatically goes into standby mode whenever there is no baggage on the belts,” he said. “The moment it senses the presence of any baggage on the belt it starts automatically.”

DIAL plans to implement more energy conserving measures at the upcoming Terminal 3. The integrated terminal, which will cater to international and domestic flights, is expected to open by July next year.