Picture Credits: hok
Bengaluru, INDIA: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) has become the first airport in Asia to receive Level 5 Carbon Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The recognition, effective from May 5, 2024, was formally presented during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly held in New Delhi from April 15 to 17.
This milestone recognises a 95.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, enabling the airport to achieve net-zero status for these categories seven years ahead of its 2030 target. Scope 1 emissions refer to direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, while Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased energy.
Comprehensive Sustainability Initiatives
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates BLR, credited the achievement to sustained efforts in carbon management and integrated sustainability initiatives. These include transitioning to 100% renewable electricity, expanding the electric vehicle fleet, installing on-site solar energy systems, enhancing energy efficiency through smart building technologies, and implementing water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity protection measures.
Commenting on the milestone, Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO of BIAL, said, “Sustainability is not a standalone initiative, it is embedded in our vision, operations, and long-term strategy. These recognitions from ACI affirm the collective effort we’ve made to not only reduce our carbon footprint but also to support a culture of safety, innovation, and community stewardship.”
Picture Credits: hok
Global Recognition and Ongoing Commitment
In addition to Level 5 Accreditation, BLR Airport has been consistently recognised for its green initiatives. Certainly! Here’s a rephrased version of that sentence:
It was honoured with the Silver Award in the ACI Green Airports Recognition 2025 for its work under the theme ‘Sustainable Energy at Airports,’ in the category for airports handling 15–38 million passengers annually. Additionally, the airport received ACI Green Airport Platinum awards in 2022 and 2023 for outstanding achievements in Carbon Management and Plastics Circularity, respectively.
Reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability standards, BIAL joined the United Nations Global Compact in 2023. In alignment with this initiative, the airport partnered with the UN Global Compact Network India to co-host a conference focused on collaborative strategies for water stewardship.
Located about 40 kilometres from Bengaluru’s city centre, BLR Airport continues to grow as a vital hub for southern India while serving as a global model for climate-conscious infrastructure and sustainable aviation practices.
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