Airports Authority of India embraces GRIHA yardsticks in building airports.As part of commitment to quality and sustainability, a certification of 4-star rating under the GRIHA guidelines has been established as a project goal for each project of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). It is a matter of immense pride for AAI, that while the new integrated passenger terminal buildings at Chandigarh and Tirupati Airports were conferred a GRIHA 4-Star rating in 2015 and 2017 respectively, the new domestic terminal building at Vijayawada Airport received a 3-Star rating in 2018. GRIHA rating for the newly constructed terminal buildings at Baroda and Prayagraj as well as for the newly constructed Indian Aviation Academy are awaited. Approximately, 15 forthcoming buildings across AAI airports that applied for GRIHA accreditation are expected to obtain it upon their completion. Upcoming structures are also going to follow the trend. Green features adopted in AAI’s airport terminal buildingsReduction in environmental impact through design by adoption of various passive design and low-impact site planning strategies.Terminal building designed for optimal solar orientation with appropriate shading to minimise heat gain and maximise energy efficiency.Facades made of low heat gain glazing for ample day-lighting.Double insulated roofing system to avoid the transfer of direct heat from outside into the building.Terminal building constructed using recycled products and sustainable materials like fly-ash bricks. Ensuring use of materials in building insulation, HVAC and refrigeration equipment and firefighting systems with low ozone depleting potential. Promoting use of low-VOC and lead-free interior paints as well as low-VOC adhesives and sealants in order to maintain good indoor air quality for the project occupants.Ensuring incorporation of renewable energy sources in the project. On-site/off-site renewable energy system installation to offset a part of the annual energy consumption of internal artificial lighting and HVAC systems.Building AC controlled by variable frequency drive (VFD), energy-efficient centrifugal chillers, and advanced BMS for high efficiency.LED lighting, lux-level sensors and timers for street lighting.Using low flow water taps/fixtures and flushing systems to check wastage of water, STP, re-use of treated water for gardening and flushing.Ensuring quality of water available for use during building operation.Recharge wells developed for rainwater harvesting.STP for treating sewage.Valuable top soil preserved during building excavation and utilised for horticulture and landscape work.Promoting the planting of native/ naturalised flora and use of water efficient irrigation system to reduce the demand for landscape water.Ensuring implementation of site design measures which assist in reduction of overall site imperviousness factor. Use of grass track pavers in the parking lot.Promoting reduction in the embodied energy of the building structure through the use of low-embodied energy materials.Providing infrastructure to occupants of the project so that they can sustainably manage on-site solid waste during operation phase.Design for universal accessibility.Creating awareness on sustainability among the building users and visitors.(Communication by the management of the company)