When sustainability and energy efficient systems are being discussed, airports are hardly mentioned. In fact, a majority of us see airports as enablers of convenience – a place which facilitates faster travel, and nothing more. However, airports are self-sustaining entities, with ample room for green investments, that can influence renewable energy policies in the Indian context.
Airports are comparable to gas guzzling trucks that ply on the highways. A gigantic amount of power goes into keeping airports operational. It, therefore, pays to make airports energy efficient to cut down on excess power consumption. For players like Adani, SBI who have invested in the aviation industry, energy efficient airports are quickly becoming a top priority.
Recently, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), owned by the Adani Group, was conferred the ‘Energy Efficient Unit’ award by the Confederation of Indian industry (CII). The award recognizes the airport’s efforts to implement sustainable initiatives and green projects to complement the existing infrastructure. The Adani Group which took over the management of the airport earlier this year, is a fierce proponent of green projects and renewables in India. The green energy arm of the group has famously overhauled its target of 25GW renewables capacity four years ahead of schedule and is on track to become one of the largest renewable companies in the world by 2030.
Besides Adani, SBI is another player which has considerable stakes in the sector. The lender is part of a financial agreement to facilitate the development of the third airport in the Delhi NCR area. The proposed Noida International Airport will be constructed in two phases. SBI has already approved of the Rs. 3,725 crores loan for Phase 1 of the construction.
Architecture firms Grimshaw, Nordic, Haptic and STUP will be responsible for designing the passenger terminal for the airport which is expected to become India’s greenest airport. The design concept for the airport proposes an airport city that is not only green but also open to future expansion plans. The project’s ultimate aim is to achieve LEED Gold Standard and operate at carbon net zero.
India’s aviation industry is currently on the back foot, courtesy of the global pandemic. Adding fuel to the fire, the ongoing power crisis are only going to aggravate the situation. The industry is at a critical juncture today, where sustainability offers the best way forward. Adoption of green projects and initiatives by stakeholders like Adani and SBI is key to the survival of the industry and unlocking further avenues for growth.
