City airport turns eco-friendly, reduces carbon emissions

The Mumbai airport’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint seem to be paying off, with the complex releasing 49,239 tonnes of carbon dioxide last year, as compared to 55,432 tonnes in 2011. This is a reduction of 6,193 tonnes, or 11.17 per cent.

The Mumbai airport’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint seem to be paying off, with the complex releasing 49,239 tonnes of carbon dioxide last year, as compared to 55,432 tonnes in 2011. This is a reduction of 6,193 tonnes, or 11.17 per cent.

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The airport reduced its emissions by changing the way its uses energy, said officials. Conventional lights in domestic and international terminals have been replaced with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights, and high-powered lights on aerobridges have been programmed to switch off automatically. Conveyor belts have been put on “no bag sensing mode”, so they stop working when there is no luggage. Air-conditioners in the terminal have been set at 23 degrees Celsius, and blowers, which circulate air in crowded spaces, are switched off on winter nights and non-peak hours.

Switching off lights in the day has ensured less heat is generated, and installation of high-speed air curtains at entrances has stopped hot air from entering the complex, airport officials said.

Last year, the airport received certification for mapping its carbon footprint from Bureau Veritas, a global carbon certification agency. “We are committed to being at the forefront of the aviation industry’s drive towards carbon-neutral growth with the aim of a sustainable future. The certification is a reaffirmation of our long-term commitment to reduce the airport’s environmental impact,” said Sanjay Reddy, managing director, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).

The upcoming X-shaped terminal at Sahar, which will cater to international and domestic traffic, is also being built using eco-friendly material.