Initiated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Turkey, the Green Airport Project aims to minimize the negative impact of airport operations on the environment and human health. As part of this initiative, organizations operating within airports are expected to establish and implement an Environmental Management System in accordance with the TS EN ISO 14001 standard. Companies that meet the required criteria are awarded the “Green Organization Certificate.” If all companies within an airport obtain this certificate, the airport itself is granted a “Green Airport Certificate.”

The Green Airport concept represents a sustainability-oriented approach focused on reducing the environmental impact of the aviation sector. This approach includes elements such as energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and environmentally friendly building materials. Many airports in Turkey and around the world have adopted these principles in an effort to enhance environmental sustainability.

A Green Airport is designed, operated, and managed in line with sustainability principles to cause minimal harm to the environment. This concept is developed based on both national and international environmental standards.

Key Objectives of a Green Airport:

a. Environmental Sustainability

• Efficient use of natural resources

 • Waste management and recycling: reducing waste generation and increasing recycling rates

 • Reducing air, water, and soil pollution

b. Energy and Emissions Management

• Use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines) • Energy-efficient building design

• Minimizing the carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft movements, ground support vehicles, and terminal operations

c. Social and Corporate Responsibility

• Raising awareness among passengers and airport staff

• Promoting environmental consciousness among all stakeholders

• Supporting social responsibility projects

• Enhancing corporate reputation and international competitiveness

d. Energy Efficiency

• More efficient use of electricity, water, and fuel

• Integration of renewable energy systems such as solar and wind

e. Compliance with International Standards

• Alignment with environmental management systems like ISO 14001

• Attainment of international green building certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM)

f. Corporate Image and Competitive Advantage

• Positioning the airport as an environmentally friendly brand

• Increasing global competitiveness and customer preference

Green Airport Applications and Examples

1. Cochin International Airport (India)

Located in Kerala, India, Cochin International became the world’s first fully solar-powered airport in 2015. Spanning 45 acres, its more than 46,000 solar panels generate 48,000 units of electricity per day—meeting the airport’s entire energy needs. The system is expected to prevent 300,000 tons of carbon emissions over 25 years.

2. George Airport (South Africa)

Situated in the Western Cape region, George Airport is the first solar-powered airport on the African continent. With 2,000 solar panels generating 750 kilowatts daily, it produces twice its own energy requirements, reducing carbon emissions by 1,323 tons annually.

3. Oslo Gardermoen Airport (Norway)

Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport stands out with its sustainable design. It holds a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” and has halved its energy consumption. Features include local timber, eco-friendly concrete, and the innovative use of snowmelt for summer cooling.

4. Galapagos Seymour Ecological Airport (Ecuador)

Located on Baltra Island, this is the world’s first ecological airport powered entirely by solar and wind energy. Holding a LEED Gold certificate, it was built using recycled materials and includes eco-technologies like a seawater desalination plant.

5.Kempegowda International Airport (India)

In Bengaluru, Kempegowda International Airport achieved a 95.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023 by using 100% renewable electricity, promoting electric vehicles, and undertaking afforestation initiatives. It aims for net-zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050.

Examples from Turkey

1. Istanbul Airport

With a terminal spanning 1,294,082 square meters, Istanbul Airport has received the LEED Gold certification—becoming the world’s second-largest building to achieve this status. Environmental sustainability is supported through low-flow fixtures, greywater use, and energy efficiency practices.

2.Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

ISG Investment Construction and Operation Inc. created a modern and eco-friendly terminal management model by investing in advanced technology, physical infrastructure, and trained personnel with minimal environmental impact. It was awarded the “Green Organization” title on May 17, 2012.

3. Malatya, Samsun-Çarşamba, and Konya Airports

Operated by the State Airports Authority (DHMI), these airports have also received the “Green Organization” certificate under the Green Airport Project. Over the last six months, 16 DHMI-operated airports have earned this certification.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport was the first in Turkey to receive the Green Airport Certificate. It also earned a LEED Gold certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council, thanks to its focus on public transport accessibility, energy efficiency, and natural daylight usage.

Conclusion

Green airport practices play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of the aviation sector. As demonstrated by examples in both Turkey and around the world, these practices represent meaningful steps toward a sustainable future. Energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, and eco-friendly design are among the most effective strategies for minimizing the environmental footprint of airports.