Hamad International Airport in Doha is marking significant milestones in waste management, water conservation and decarbonisation, this year, which it said reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability, and proactive support for the United Nations’s World Environment Day 2024 (June 4).

The airport said it is geared to meeting its 2030 target that is aimed at reducing 30% of its relative carbon emissions, in line with its environmental sustainability goals.

Hamad International Airport’s LED lighting initiatives in 2018 saw over 65,000 luminaires being converted to LED, resulting in the airport saving approximately 3 million kWh of energy in 2023.

The airport has also adopted other innovative technologies and operational procedures, including optimised HVAC management, smart-metering for electricity and water and investing in sustainable building solutions which led to the airport achieving Global Sustainability Assessment System Design & Build (GSAS-D&B) 4-Star certifications, from Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD).

Waste Management Achievements

In its commitment to minimising the ecological impact, Hamad International Airport has implemented advanced waste management strategies, yielding significant results.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, 81% of the airport's waste was reused, recycled, or converted into energy – marking this one of the highest conversions in the airport industry, including over 1,000 tonnes of segregated plastic waste.

This success is credited to streamlined sorting and collection systems, along with clear signage and user-friendly infrastructure that enable passengers to effectively separate waste streams.

The airport has established strategic partnerships with local waste management facilities to divert waste from landfills, notably, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality, the airport diverted mixed general waste from landfills to the Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre, achieving a diversion rate of 48% and diverting over 18,000 tonnes of waste from April 2023 to March 2024.

Hamad International Airport actively composts organic waste, transforming food scraps and other organic materials into nutrient-rich fertilizer for landscaping.

Additionally, Hamad International Airport is exploring the recycling of dry sludge for bio soil production and the conversion of food waste into grey waste for further recycling.

Efficiency in Water Conservation

Hamad International Airport exemplifies responsible water management by using 100% Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) for irrigation, through its advanced wastewater treatment plant.

From April 2023 to March 2024, the airport treated over 3 million cubic metres of sewage for irrigation. This not only preserves valuable freshwater resources but also underscores the airport’s commitment to sustainable operations.

Environmental Excellence

Hamad International Airport has retained its environmental accreditations which includes Airport Carbon Accreditation at Level 3 - conferred by the Airport Council International (ACI) and the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) Certification by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

A Sustainable Future

Hamad International Airport is committed to advancing environmental stewardship through collaborative initiatives with airlines, ground handling companies, and various stakeholders within the aviation industry.

In our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, the airport is spearheading trials of innovative initiatives aimed at minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. – TradeArabia News Service