• Carbon Neutrality Goals: India introduces a new Carbon Accounting and Reporting Framework for airports to achieve net zero emissions.
• Greenfield Airport Development: The country has constructed 12 new greenfield airports in the past decade, with carbon neutrality as a priority.
• Green Energy Adoption: 73 airports have switched to 100% green energy since 2014, demonstrating commitment to sustainable aviation.

India has rolled out a Carbon Accounting and Reporting Framework for domestic and international airports, aiming for carbon neutrality and net zero emissions in civil aviation.

Carbon Neutrality Prioritised

The Ministry of Civil Aviation highlighted that airport operators are now required to map carbon emissions and work toward achieving carbon neutrality in a phased manner. A new framework has been established to ensure state governments prioritize carbon neutrality during the construction of new greenfield airports.

“Airport operators have been asked to map carbon emissions at their respective airports and to work towards carbon neutrality and net zero emission in a phased manner,” the ministry stated in a fact sheet.

Greenfield Developments

Over the past decade, India has built 12 new greenfield airports and constructed 48 airstrips since 2014. This expansion aligns with the ministry’s vision to integrate sustainability from the ground up.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, previously announced a target for airports to achieve 100% use of green energy by 2023 and net zero emissions by 2030. The ministry has held knowledge-sharing sessions to raise awareness and streamline carbon accounting standards across Indian airports.

Industry Recognition

The Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have received Level 4+ accreditation from the Airports International Council (ACI) for becoming carbon neutral. The ACI, a global organisation for airport authorities, advocates for best practices in the industry and sets standards for sustainable operations.

Related Article: India’s Tata Power to Invest up to $9 billion to Expand Renewable Energy Capacity

Expanding Green Energy Use

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has made significant progress in green energy adoption, installing solar power plants at several airports. In addition, some airports have started procuring green energy from the open market. Since 2014, a total of 73 airports have switched over to 100% green energy usage.

The ministry’s efforts underline India’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development in aviation.