CSMIA’s Environment Initiatives Pave the Way for Greener Tomorrow

Motivated by the sustainable growth achieved through creating a positive impact on Social, Environmental and Economic aspects of society, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has focused on launching numerous initiatives in areas of education, health, environment and women empowerment amongst others. This World Environment Day, CSMIA enjoys the success of its environment initiatives including the treatment of organic waste generated at airport to organic compost, becoming single-use plastic free facility, afforestation projects, conservation of water and optimal use of resources.

With a focus on minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has recycled the waste generated at the airport and converted organic waste into compost. At CSMIA, environmental responsibility is an intrinsic concept, and the airport puts all its efforts into a greener and better tomorrow. Since the introduction of CSMIA’s Organic Waste Converter (OWC) unit in February 2016, the airport has treated over 1172.4 MT of food waste and generated approximately 662.2 MT of compost as of April 2021. Furthermore, on October 2, 2019, CSMIA became the first airport in India to achieve a 360-degree ban on single-use plastic within its premises with the support of its stakeholders. Looking to further its environmental goal, the airport has also explored the installation of PET bottle recycling machines at its terminals to promote the recycling of plastic waste.

Keeping Environment Management & Compliance on high priority, CSMIA is committed to its goals of operating a sustainable and best-in-class facility worldwide. In sync with the global vision of increasing green cover, CSMIA has adopted 3 acres of degraded forest land in Rabale, Maharashtra and has been conducting tree plantation drives to revive the forest. The tree plantation activity by CSMIA was first conducted in 2016-17, and has achieved, through employee participation, the plantation of around 1560 saplings in the 3 acres to convert the land into a much needed green lungs for the city. Furthermore, to ensure that the planted saplings are taken care of, CSMIA partnered with a local NGO to maintain and nurture the plants regularly. With CSMIA’s continuous monitoring of the activity, it has witnessed over a 90% survival rate of the planted saplings. CSMIA is proactively involved in taking concerted efforts towards sustainable development through various programmes for a greener future.

As a crusader to promote a green and sustainable environment, CSMIA has undertaken numerous pioneering and impacting measures. The airport has always focused on carbon neutral growth, energy savings, and emission reductions as part of integrating climate action within its operational agenda. CSMIA keeps up its commitment of being a Carbon Neutral Airport through various proactive initiatives such as achieving ACA Level 3+ ‘Neutrality’, the highest level of accreditation prior to December 2020, which is valid up to May 16, 2022. Recognizing the climate change impacts, CSMIA is also working towards aligning its operations with IPCC 1.5℃ to 2℃ pathways, ultimately aiming to be a Net Zero airport in the near future. 

Over the years, the airport has introduced various significant measures towards energy consumption such as replacement of machinery like motors, pumps and fans to name a few with energy-efficient equipment, conversion of conventional lamps to LEDs, incorporation of new designs in infrastructure and technology amongst many others. Furthermore, CSMIA has also delved into initiatives in optimizing the use of renewable energy. Being a space-constrained airport, CSMIA has strategically installed solar panels on its rooftops that generates about 5% of the airport’s total energy consumption. Overall, the airport’s existing initiatives have led to a 44% increase in the generation of renewable energy so far and CSMIA continues to explore further avenues to expand its reliance on green energy.

CSMIA has also made numerous overtures to reduce its consumption of freshwater including the continuous recycling and reuse of treated wastewater, rainwater harvesting, and drip irrigation to name a few. CSMIA also implemented measures such as the installation of waterless urinals at the airport to conserve water and reduce waste water generation. The airport was recognized by Airports Council International (ACI) at the esteemed ACI Asia-Pacific Green Recognitions 2019 for its sustainable water management approach and continuous commitment to explore and promote opportunities towards environmental-friendly practices.

Being situated in the heart of one of the busiest metro cities in the country, CSMIA has always undertaken efforts to minimize its impact on air quality levels due to operational activities by adopting various initiatives. The airport has installed 2 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) to monitor the air quality at all times. CSMIA is also working with its stakeholders and provides support in the exploration of methods to reduce adverse impact on the ambient air quality. CSMIA is also working on setting up an airport noise zone to provide airport-specific noise standards to be maintained by all aviation stakeholders to reduce its impact on areas surrounding the airport.

The efficient green practices adopted by CSMIA makes it one of the most sustainable airports globally, providing the best for its passengers today while striving for a sustainable tomorrow. Furthermore, the airport has also worked towards the implementation of its measures through optimal use of its existing resources. CSMIA conforms to the highest safety and security standards through its efficient and easy to use facilities exceeding customer expectations while simultaneously creating value for its stakeholders.