Kempegowda Airport also known as Bangalore Airport excels in sustainability and infrastructure. It is located at Devanahalli and 30 km away from the Bangalore railway station. Kempegowda is an international airport. It replaced the earlier old HAL airport of Bangalore in 2008 and is serving as the main commercial airport in the city. It is considered as the third busiest airport in the country. The airport’s name was kept on the name of the founder of Bangalore city, Kempe Gowda l in the 16th century. The objectives of this airport include 100% renewable energy, sustainability, community development and zero Scope 2 emissions.
 |
| Source - blog.aci.aero |
Airports are considered to be one of the major drivers for economic development. A sustainable airport benefits not only the airport itself but also the surrounding environment, economy, and society, contributing to a more resilient and prosperous future for the country. The airports with sustainable infrastructure can reduce their carbon footprint by developing sustainable infrastructure.
Kempegowda Airport whose commitment is innovation and efficiency, is continuously working towards creating an environment that not only meets current demands but also leads to unparalleled connectivity, operational excellence and sustainability.
Kempegowda Airport has launched its terminal 2 which is built as a tribute to the garden city of Bangalore. Terminal 2 is designed and built as a “Terminal in a Garden”. The terminal includes many sustainable innovations such as solar shading and engineered fire-retardant bamboo, used for the first time in India. The Multi-Modal Transport Hub, outside the terminal, is designed to facilitate seamless traffic and also helps in reducing pollution.
The Terminal 2 has been recognised as the largest terminal in the world to have been pre-certified as a LEED Platinum building by US Green Building Council (USGBC) and has also received the certification from Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its sustainable architecture and design.
Water Positive
Kempegowda Airport became water positive in 2019. To become water positive means the replenishment rate is more than the consumption rate. In Kempegowda Airport, for every litre of water consumed, 1.37 litres of water is replenished. BIAL has also installed low-water consumption fixtures across washrooms in the terminal building.
Tree Plantation
In a conversation the CEO of the airport said “Under our flagship CSR programme ‘Namma Ooru’, we have planted and nurtured about 500 pomelo plants at a location that was once a hub for pomelos before the construction of the airport. This will not only help conserve the rare indigenous fruit, but also contribute towards carbon reduction. Over the next few years, the airport campus will be home to the largest pomelo orchard.”
Community Engagement
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has also taken initiatives in the education sector. They have rebuilt 5 governmental schools, and have upgraded 21 anganwadis’ infrastructure. They equipped the schools with renewable energy sources and made the provisions for rainwater harvesting. They have also built a new library which is surrounded by green gardens making a distraction free environment to read and enjoy.
Energy Neutral
In the financial year 2020-21, Kempegowda Airport achieved the target of becoming net energy neutral. It saved 22 lakhs units of energy which is enough to supply power to 9000 houses in a month. The airport has the set up of solar plants which fulfils the energy requirements of the airport and reduces the CO2 emissions. The building at Kempegowda Airport is designed in such a way so as to reduce the energy consumption and improve the operational efficiency.
Green Transportation
At Kempegowda Airport, a multimodal transit hub is built in front of Terminal 2. It has installed EV charging points in its parking facilities and also provides the facilities for bicycle parking. It has collaborated with the local transportation authorities to ensure convenient and sustainable transit options for passengers travelling to and from the airport.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Kempegowda Airport has taken numerous initiatives towards sustainability, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, green transportation and community engagement. The implementation of solar plants, the replenishment rate of water, making it water positive, the carbon neutrality goals underscores the airport’s dedication in contributing towards reducing climate change. It has emerged as a leader in sustainable airport operations and has set an example for other airports to prioritise sustainability in their operations.
Written By Shivani
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - shivanikoli367@gmail.com
Social