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In a first, Delhi’s IGI Airport gets ‘Net Zero Waste to Landfill’ Platinum certification

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated that approximately 95% of IGI Airport's solid waste, including food and recyclables, is diverted away from landfills.

Last year, the airport also became the first in the country to achieve a “net zero carbon emission airport status (Level 5 certification). (File photo)

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has received the ‘Net Zero Waste to Landfill’ Platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for all its terminals. The certification was awarded for the operations phase, making it the first airport in the country to receive this recognition.

The airport, operated by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), said that approximately 95 per cent of its solid waste, including food and recyclables, is diverted away from landfills. This is achieved through source segregation, recycling, and in-house composting.

“Delhi Airport embeds Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles holistically across its operations, from green energy and emission reduction to inclusive community development. This recognition is not just a certification; it is validation of DIAL’s unwavering commitment to building a future-ready, climate-resilient airport ecosystem. We are proud to set the benchmark for Indian aviation in responsible waste management and environmental governance. Our adaptability and proactive approach ensure that we remain at the forefront of responsible and sustainable aviation,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, DIAL CEO.

According to the operator, the waste management system at the airport includes real-time waste tracking mechanisms, two-bin and four-bin segregation models, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and organic waste composters. These measures are aimed at minimising landfill use and maximising resource recovery.

DIAL also said its broader environmental measures, such as the use of green vehicles, electric-powered taxiing with taxibots, and infrastructure like the Eastern Cross Taxiway, support its target of achieving ACI Level 5 Net Zero Carbon status. The airport also treats and reuses 100 per cent of its wastewater on site.

The terminal buildings at Delhi airport are already certified at the highest platinum level by Hyderabad-headquartered Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and US Green Building Council (USGBC) under green building standards. DIAL said the new certification aligns with environmental regulations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while also contributing to its ESG goals.

Last year, the airport also became the first in the country to achieve a “net zero carbon emission airport status (Level 5 certification).

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