Delhi Airport has become the first in India to achieve net-zero carbon emissions under the Airport Council International’s (ACI) accreditation programme, according to a statement from Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL).
Operated by GMR Group-led DIAL, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) situated in the national capital initially aimed for this milestone by 2030 but reached it ahead of schedule through initiatives like renewable energy adoption, green infrastructure development, and the promotion of electric vehicles.
IGIA has now earned Level 5 net zero emission status under the ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, the highest level of accreditation. It is to be noted that Delhi Airport has been a carbon-neutral airport since 2016, in line with the ACA programme.
“With the attainment of Level 5 net zero emission accreditation in 2024, we have once again demonstrated our commitment to continual improvement and sustainability. As we face the challenges of climate change, we are committed to further reducing our carbon footprint and exploring sustainable aviation fuel options to address Scope 3 emissions,” Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said.
“By achieving level 5 certification, Delhi airport has demonstrated significant progress in reducing its scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 90%. The remaining residual emissions have been addressed through approved offset removals, fulfilling the stringent requirements of the ACA programme,” the press statement said.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Delhi Airport wrote: ‘With this accreditation Delhi has become the first airport in Asia to achieve the feat of Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport. DEL has taken proactive measures to reduce their scope 1 & 2 emissions and demonstrated active partnership to reducing scope 3 emission. This certification is a testament to our dedication towards sustainability and innovation for achieving our vision of being one of the most environment friendly airports globally.’
Level 5 is the topmost level in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, setting high standards for airports to significantly reduce their absolute carbon emissions. This level certifies that an airport has reached and is maintaining a Net Zero carbon balance on Scopes 1 and 2, and has addressed Scope 3 emissions sources that it can significantly influence the pathway to Net Zero.