Bengaluru. 16 August 2024 . Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport), operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has marked a significant milestone by becoming the first airport in Asia to receive Airports Council International’s (ACI) highest Level 5 accreditation, effective May 5th 2024. BLR Airport has made a remarkable 95.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, attaining the highest emission elimination by an Indian airport, achieved seven years ahead of the initial target of 2030.
BLR Airport has made significant strides in its decarbonisation journey and set new benchmarks by transitioning to 100% renewable electricity and implementing initiatives focusing on sustainable mobility and green infrastructure. To offset its residual emissions, BLR Airport has procured Airports Council International (ACI) approved carbon units from verified carbon removal projects. Looking ahead towards 2030, BLR Airport has committed to offsetting residual emissions through in-house green landscape projects, further demonstrating its dedication to build a sustainable future.
Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said, “We are delighted to be the first airport in Asia to attain ACI’s Level 5 accreditation and to lead the way with the highest emission elimination by an Indian airport. Achieving Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions seven years ahead of our target is a testament to BLR Airport’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. This accomplishment not only sets a new benchmark for us but also reinforces our dedication to creating a greener future for all.”
Looking forward, BLR Airport’s commitment transcends beyond Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Aligning with the stringent standards of the Airports Council International (ACI) carbon accreditation program at Level 5, the airport is steadfast in its goal to attain Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050, encompassing Scope 3 emissions.
At the core of BIAL’s sustainability journey is the airport’s sustainability vision: ‘Touch lives by nurturing a sustainable future through initiatives that drive economic, social, and environmental transformation’, driven through six pillars that form the roadmap to a sustainable future. Water Stewardship, Net Zero Carbon Emission, Community Aligned Noise Management, Circular Economy, Sustainable Procurement, Sustainable Mobility and supported by core foundational values: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Behavioral Change, and Compliance. This strategic framework directly contributes to 11 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and indirectly contributes to the other six UNSDGs.
