Interview with Videh Kumar Jaipuriar

Indira Gandhi International Airport, the busiest in India, is among just 18 pioneers globally to achieve Level 5 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. Could you share some key milestones and projects from this journey, including the strategies and actions that were pivotal in achieving and maintaining the impressive 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions?

Achieving Level 5 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme has been a rewarding journey for Indira Gandhi International Airport, driven by our clear commitment to becoming a net zero carbon emission airport by 2030. We implemented a variety of initiatives focusing on sustainable energy, infrastructure, and efficiency. Our 100% renewable energy use since 2022 has been a major milestone, along with the installation of a 7.84 MW solar plant on site, which has brought our electricity-related emissions down to zero. This move alone has helped us avoid around 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

We’ve also focused on green building standards, achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certifications for our terminals, ensuring our infrastructure not only serves passengers but also upholds our environmental goals. Operational efficiency plays a key role too; our Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, along with the use of TaxiBots and Bridge Mounted Equipment, has significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions across our operations.

The collective impact of these projects has been pivotal in achieving the 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions required for Level 5 accreditation, while our collaborative approach with airlines and stakeholders has laid a solid foundation for the long-term sustainability of Delhi Airport.

What were the key difficulties and challenges you faced in your journey to achieving Level 5? How did your collaboration with ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East and the third party verifier support you in overcoming these challenges, and what other factors played a crucial role in reaching this milestone?

Reaching Level 5 was a significant accomplishment but not without its challenges. Engaging stakeholders effectively and implementing technological solutions for emissions reduction were key hurdles on this journey.

Our collaboration with ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East provided invaluable support, offering access to best practices, benchmarking tools, and networking opportunities that allowed us to learn from other airports in the region. Participating in ACI’s knowledge-sharing workshops and discussions was particularly helpful, giving us important insights into effective emissions management.

The annual verification process conducted by an independent third-party verifier also played a crucial role, ensuring transparency in our emissions reporting and providing essential feedback to fine-tune our strategies and processes. This combination of collaborative support and rigorous verification was instrumental in helping us reach this milestone.

Indira Gandhi International Airport has adopted an Environment Management System (EMS) and is certified under ISO 14001:2015. Could you explain how the EMS helps manage environmental aspects and impacts at the airport, and what key objectives it focuses on to ensure sustainable development and stakeholder engagement?

At Indira Gandhi International Airport, our Environment Management System (EMS), certified under ISO 14001:2015, provides a structured approach to managing environmental aspects and impacts. This system supports continuous improvement through regular monitoring and assessment of our environmental performance, allowing us to adjust our strategies based on data-driven insights.

A key focus of our EMS is stakeholder engagement, where we actively collaborate with partners and stakeholders to foster a shared commitment to sustainability. Regular communication and training sessions are organised to raise awareness among employees and stakeholders about best environmental practices, cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility.

By embedding the EMS into our operations, Indira Gandhi International Airport not only minimises its environmental footprint but also aligns with global sustainability standards, supporting our goal of becoming a net-zero emissions airport. Additionally, our certifications in ISO 14064 and ISO 50001 further reinforce our commitment to responsible and sustainable airport operations.

As part of Indira Gandhi International Airport’s ambitious plan to achieve net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050, in alignment with global sustainability goals and the programme’s framework, could you elaborate on the key climate action initiatives being implemented, such as Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)? How do these initiatives contribute to reducing the airport’s overall carbon footprint and support its journey towards the net zero target?

At Indira Gandhi International Airport we are actively pursuing an ambitious target to achieve net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050, in line with global sustainability goals. Central to this commitment are key climate action initiatives, including the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system. By enabling real-time data sharing among airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, A-CDM improves aircraft movement coordination, reduces taxi times, and cuts fuel consumption—thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions during ground operations.

We are also exploring the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and aim to encourage SAF adoption in the near future. The airport’s green transportation programme includes promoting electric and hybrid ground vehicles, with ongoing initiatives to increase electric vehicle use for both ground handling and passenger transport. Indira Gandhi International Airport is also developing a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) pooling system to further optimise resource use and emissions reduction.

Furthermore, we enhance multimodal connectivity by integrating sustainable transport options. The connection to Delhi Metro, eco-friendly airport buses, and partnerships with ride-sharing services that use electric vehicles help reduce reliance on private vehicles, significantly lowering emissions. These efforts not only improve passenger convenience but also contribute to a more sustainable travel experience.

Through these initiatives, Indira Gandhi International Airport is building a comprehensive approach to minimise its carbon footprint. By leveraging technology, promoting collaboration, and encouraging sustainable alternatives, we are progressing towards our net zero goals while establishing itself as a leader in sustainable airport management.

Level 5 is a blueprint for net zero carbon balance at airports and as we’ve seen with Indira Gandhi International Airport’s great achievement, it is feasible already today. Are you confident that the industry will decarbonise by 2050, considering the much larger and harder to abate chunk of emissions that come from flights?

Achieving decarbonisation in the aviation industry by 2050 is undoubtedly a significant challenge, particularly due to the large and more difficult-to-reduce emissions from flights. However, the progress made by airports in reaching Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme offers a promising blueprint for the future. The widespread adoption of SAF and green hydrogen is crucial for the aviation sector to meet its net zero targets by 2050. This, alongside other strategies like improved operational efficiencies and advancements in aircraft design, provides a strong foundation for reducing emissions. While challenges remain, the combination of these initiatives presents a clear pathway for the industry to move towards decarbonisation by 2050.