Kolkata Airport: Green initiatives for sustainability

The Kolkata airport authorities have implemented several environmentally friendly measures to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. One significant step is the replacement of diesel-powered vehicles in operational areas with electric ones. Additionally, solar-powered belt loaders are now in use following the accreditation of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata airport) by the Airports Council International for achieving level 2 plus reduction certification in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region. The primary objective of these initiatives is to enhance the airport's carbon compliance and encourage other stakeholders to reduce their carbon footprint. A senior airport official stated that they have made steady progress, achieving level 2 plus accreditation, and their aim is to reach level 4 plus, similar to Delhi and Mumbai airports. This goal requires the cooperation of all airport stakeholders to foster greener operations. Some of the green initiatives implemented at Kolkata airport include the adoption of LED fixtures for apron flood lighting, the use of environmentally friendly refrigerant gas in central AC plants and AC units, the implementation of an automated baggage handling system, the deployment of battery-operated vehicles in the airside and battery-operated buses and cars in the city side, and the utilization of solar-powered belt loaders for transferring bags from the ground to the aircraft belly. Furthermore, the official mentioned that future plans involve replacing runway edge lighting with LED lighting. Earlier this year, the Airports Council International accredited eight Indian airports, including Kolkata airport, using the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which assesses and recognizes airports' efforts to control and reduce carbon emissions through six levels of certification: mapping, reduction, optimisation, neutrality, transformation, and transition. While Delhi and Mumbai airports received the highest level of accreditation, level 4+, Kolkata airport obtained level 2 plus accreditation. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru were accredited with level 3+ (Neutrality). The officials at Kolkata airport have revealed their most ambitious project, which aims to increase the airport's solar power generation from 17MW to 57MW. This will be accomplished by establishing a 40MW plant on airport-owned land in Badu, Madhyamgram. Currently, the facility houses secondary radar that serves as a backup in case the primary radar at Kolkata airport experiences malfunctions. The estimated cost of the project, spanning 200 acres, is Rs 2.7 billion. Out of the existing installed capacity, 15MW is generated on land, and 2MW is generated on the rooftops of airport buildings. Also Read Raja Bhoj Airport achieves carbon neutrality with renewable energy Hyderabad Airport Metro takes major step forward