Standing by our commitment to maintain environment sustainability (2/2)

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Standing by our commitment to maintain environment sustainability (2/2)

30 June 2020

Every successful relationship is based on a two-way process- the more you take, the more you need to give. And, preserving ecological balance is no additional task but our bit of maintaining a healthy relationship with nature, which was long being solely managed by the latter only.

The UN 1987 report on Environment and development said that sustainable development is one which meets the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations. This has long been adapted in GMR's work culture. Even with the steep and sustained rise in the air traffic at GMR led Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), due focus is laid at ensuring long term development of the airport eco-system and its stakeholders. Sustainability at these airports is majorly being achieved through deployment of technology and innovation.

Green Energy - Solar Energy

Right from the design and construction phase, GMR led IGIA and RGIA have extensively ingrained environmental protection as an integral part of their businesses. Based on their respective environment policies, developed with co-operation of all the stakeholders, both the airports have successfully maintained green buildings.

While, IGIA's Terminal 3 has been the first 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED) Gold Accredited airport terminal building in the world for its green footprint; RGIA on the other hand, got the silver rating LEED certification in 2008 by US Green Building Council.

Spreading the word of environment protection

GMR has a CSR arm - GMRVF. The Foundation works in several surrounding villages with the aim of participatory rural development and strengthening of village communities and their institutions. Several vocational training programmes are conducted for youth. Some key training programs targeting towards environmental conservation include making of jute bags and training for landscape maintenance. The foundation also conducts awareness programmes on environmental conservation for school children. Both the airports very actively promote environmental awareness to sensitize the airport community and passengers by observing various days like World Environment Day, World Forestry Day, Ozone Layer Protection Day, Earth Day, etc.

RGIA, as part of promoting greening even beyond its campus, has a shop at the arrivals for selling plants, under the brand name of Udyannam. These plants are reared at GHIAL nursery and marketed through this outlet, thus cultivating a culture of 'green gifting'!! In addition, regular Knowledge Sharing, Skills and Attitude (KSSA) sessions on developments in the environment are conducted with employees & stakeholders at Delhi Airport. This helps us achieve high operational efficiency and long term sustainability.

Rainwater
Harvesting
Pits300

Water holding capacity of6,00,000cubic meters

To enhance water resources and become water sustainable, rainwater harvesting structures (~300 rainwater harvesting pits) have been installed and are spread across the airport. On the other hand, RGIA has also developed a comprehensive water management plan, which includes reinforcement of its rainwater harvesting capabilities by constructing a large reservoir with a water holding capacity of 6,00,000 cubic meters, which is sufficient to meet the considerable quantum of airport's requirement throughout the year.

Judicial use of water

Since, water is among the most critical of natural resources, it needs conservation and effective means for reducing its wastage and optimizing utilization. In line with this, IGIA and RGIA have used several innovative measures for water conservation. Some of these initiatives include:

Giving a robust technology boost to its ongoing environment sustainability measures, GMR led Hyderabad International Airport became India's first airport to induct a cloud based Central Irrigation Control System using an "IMMS online" (Irrigation Management and Monitoring Software) mechanism to control the intricate Automatic Irrigation System across the 80 acres of landscape spread along the 8.4 km stretch of the airport spine road. A first of its kind technology to be introduced in India, the control of irrigation system is precise and timely, enabling the airport to save water up to 35% over the conventional mode of irrigation system.
An advanced 10 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has been installed at IGI Airport to conserve and sustain water resource at the airport. The plant treats the sewage water generated within the airport and the treated water is then being used for HVAC, flushing and horticulture activities of IGIA.
Efficient Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been installed to treat wastewater at RGIA. The sewage from various facilities is collected and transferred to the 2 STPs which are of 925 KLD capacity each coupled with a wide network of sewerage system. The treated wastewater is recycled for use in flushing, cooling tower makeup water and irrigation of the extensive greenery within the Airport.

Few key training programs targeting towards environmental conservation include making of jute bags and training for landscape maintenance.

Standing by our commitment to maintain environment sustainability (2/2)

Rainwater Harvesting Pits300

Water holding capacity of6,00,000cubic meters

Judicial use of water

Rainwater
Harvesting
Pits300