The Turkish hub plans to reach net zero emissions before ACI’s 2050 target as it continues to develop its sustainability measures

Istanbul Airport has joined the Airports Council International’s (ACI) ‘Net Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050’ scheme.

IGA is joining the other 238 hubs that have also committed to the net zero goals.

According to the airport, it is constantly continuing to develop its sustainability efforts. Some of its recent measures include an ISO 50001 energy management system installation, efficiency activities, system improvements, greenhouse gas moderator, afforestation studies and battery powered vehicles.

“At Istanbul Airport we have prepared our roadmap for ‘Net Zero CO2 Emission’ by 2050 and created our carbon emission reduction strategy by making quite aggressive planning towards this direction,” said Kadri Samsunlu, IGA Airport operation chief executive officer. “Thus, we have been involved in a process where both technological and operational requirements are constantly monitored and evaluated.

“By implementing many of our projects in advance, we will have achieved our zero-emission targets even before the year 2050. In short term, we have realised energy efficiency activities, energy audits, and system improvements, the use of electric vehicle and vehicle charging station installations and we will continue to do so in the next two to three years.”

Istanbul has also announced it plans to implement the use of hydrogen fuel for heating and transportation purposes, as well as carbon capture technologies, solar power plant fittings and the usage of biodiesel.

Olivier Jankovec, director general of API Europe, added: “Despite the serious challenges our industry has been facing due to the COVID-19 crisis, airports continue to prioritise climate action, and this statement is proof of that. Bringing the climate agenda forward by aligning decarbonisation efforts with global targets will not be easy for any industry, as well as the industries that have significantly suffered from this crisis, whose recovery may take years.”