IGI Airport Gets Net Zero Waste Tag

Context

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been awarded the ‘Net Zero Waste to Landfill’ Platinum Certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), becoming the first Indian airport to achieve this recognition during its operational phase.

Awarding Authority and Certification Purpose:

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), awards the ‘Net Zero Waste to Landfill’ Certification.
The certification recognizes efforts in diverting at least 90% of operational solid waste from landfills through systematic waste segregation, composting, and recycling.

Significance of IGI Airport’s Achievement:

IGI Airport has diverted approximately 95% of its operational waste, including food and recyclable waste, away from landfills.
Techniques employed include real-time waste tracking, segregation using 2-bin and 4-bin models, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and in-house composting

Complementary Achievements:

In the previous year, IGI Airport also became the first Indian airport to be certified for Net Zero Carbon Emissions (Level 5 Certification), demonstrating efforts toward decarbonization.
The terminal buildings of IGI are certified Platinum-rated by both IGBC and USGBC, highlighting adherence to international green building norms.

Implications for India’s Climate Goals:

Such initiatives contribute to India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement and the broader agenda of sustainable infrastructure development under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The move also supports India's national-level goals under the Waste to Wealth Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0.