iGA Istanbul Airport, a pivotal global travel hub at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has unveiled its 2023 Sustainability Report. Operating under the guiding principle “Focus on the Planet, Target for the Future,” the airport demonstrates a robust commitment to sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This decade-long pursuit highlights ongoing efforts and showcases notable progress toward a more sustainable future for both humanity and the environment.
Commitment to Sustainability
Social Impact and Stakeholder Collaboration
iGA Istanbul Airport has documented significant social impacts achieved through collaborative projects with prominent stakeholders. These partnerships have allowed the airport to implement wide-ranging initiatives that have had a profound positive impact on local communities and environments. Among its many accolades, the airport has secured the ACI Europe Level 4 Carbon Accreditation Certificate and the Greenstars Certification, marking it as Turkey’s first recipient of a national sustainability certificate. These achievements underscore the airport’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its core operations.
Moreover, these certificates serve as a testament to the substantial progress made in reducing carbon emissions and adopting eco-friendly practices. The collaborative efforts with various stakeholders have proven vital in advancing these sustainability goals. By prioritizing social and environmental initiatives, iGA Istanbul Airport not only enhances its operational efficiency but also strengthens its role as a responsible global citizen.
Operational Significance and Technological Integration
As Europe’s busiest airport for four consecutive years, iGA Istanbul Airport handles over 505,000 flights and more than 76 million passengers annually. These staggering numbers highlight the airport’s strategic and operational significance within the aviation sector. Despite these immense operational demands, the airport prioritizes sustainability, aligning with broader industry efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The effective integration of cutting-edge technologies with a dedicated workforce is central to this strategy.
The airport has embraced a wide range of technological advancements to improve sustainability and operational efficiency. From energy-efficient lighting and automated systems to advanced waste management solutions, these technologies have enabled iGA Istanbul Airport to reduce its environmental footprint significantly. The integration of digital and innovative solutions ensures that the airport remains at the forefront of sustainable practices, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for passengers and employees alike.
Ambitious Sustainability Roadmap
Future of Mobility
iGA Istanbul Airport recognizes the transformative power of rapidly advancing technologies in both the aviation and mobility sectors. By fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, the airport aims to enhance passenger and employee satisfaction while minimizing the environmental impacts of its operations. This forward-thinking approach is reflected in the airport’s ambitious sustainability roadmap, which outlines a strategic plan to achieve significant environmental and social objectives by 2030.
The integration of innovative and digital solutions plays a pivotal role in this strategy, ensuring a safe and welfare-oriented travel experience. By leveraging emerging technologies, the airport seeks to provide seamless and efficient services while reducing its carbon footprint. Key initiatives include the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles, the development of smart infrastructure, and the implementation of advanced traffic management systems. These efforts aim to create a more sustainable and connected future for mobility, benefiting both the airport and the wider community.
Environmental Integrity and Decarbonization
Since its inception in 2019, iGA Istanbul Airport has consistently focused on energy management and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The airport’s 2050 Net Zero roadmap aims for a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 73% reduction by 2040, relative to a base year, ultimately achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. These efforts are supported by energy-efficient practices, the adoption of zero-emission technologies, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and afforestation activities to create carbon sinks.
In recognition of its ongoing sustainability efforts, the airport achieved an A-grade in the CDP Climate Change program. Over the past year, the airport has advanced its renewable energy initiatives to further support its Net Zero targets. This life cycle approach to determining carbon footprint encompasses all aspects of airport operations, from passenger transportation to terminal activities. By adopting comprehensive decarbonization strategies, iGA Istanbul Airport is leading the way in environmental stewardship and climate action.
Risk Management and Carbon Pricing
ESG Risks and Holistic Approach
The Sustainability Team at iGA Istanbul Airport collaborates closely with Sustainability Consultants and the Risk Management Team to address Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks. This holistic approach encapsulates the overarching trends and societal challenges faced by the aviation sector. Key initiatives include reducing the sector’s carbon footprint in alignment with the airport’s 2050 Net Zero commitment, implementing precautionary measures for extreme weather events, and enhancing water resource management.
Addressing ESG risks requires a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated factors that influence sustainability outcomes. By employing a multidimensional approach, iGA Istanbul Airport is better equipped to mitigate potential risks and enhance resilience. The airport’s proactive stance on ESG issues not only safeguards its operations but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. This collaborative effort ensures that the airport remains a leader in addressing the complex challenges facing the aviation industry.
Financial Strategies and Shadow Carbon Pricing
Financial strategies are meticulously aligned with environmental efforts through the implementation of ‘Shadow Carbon Pricing.’ This approach assigns a financial value to investments aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By integrating environmental initiatives with carbon pricing, the airport is better equipped to prioritize future emissions reduction projects, significantly advancing towards its 2050 Net Zero goal. This innovative financial model reflects iGA Istanbul Airport’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The use of Shadow Carbon Pricing incentivizes investments in green technologies and sustainable practices. By placing a monetary value on carbon emissions, the airport can more accurately assess the cost-benefit analysis of various projects. This approach also helps in identifying high-impact initiatives that can deliver substantial emissions reductions. Through strategic financial planning and investment in sustainability, iGA Istanbul Airport is setting a benchmark for other airports globally, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Value for Society, Guests, and Employees
Social Investment Programme
iGA Istanbul Airport places a high value on its social responsibilities through its Social Investment Programme, initiated in 2016. The 2023 focus areas included developing local skills, empowering communities, promoting women’s integration into socio-economic life, and supporting youth initiatives. These initiatives reflect the airport’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development. A notable project has been the Rehabilitation and Development of Beekeeping in nearby villages, which underscores the airport’s dedication to creating social benefits that align with sustainable development goals.
This project not only supports local economies by providing new income opportunities but also contributes to biodiversity and environmental conservation. By promoting beekeeping, the airport helps to sustain bee populations, which are crucial for pollination and ecosystem health. Other community-focused projects include vocational training programs, educational scholarships, and health initiatives. These efforts demonstrate iGA Istanbul Airport’s holistic approach to sustainability, where social and environmental goals are interwoven to create a positive impact on society.
Educational and Community Initiatives
Among other initiatives, the airport supports the Newton Flight Academy Istanbul, the Women’s Hands to Children’s Hearts – Knitted Doll Project, iGA Art, and the iGA Academy. These programs aim to enhance educational opportunities, promote cultural awareness, and support vulnerable groups. The airport is committed to improving educational services by supporting local schools, assisting vulnerable groups, including disabled travelers, and promoting diversity and inclusiveness. These initiatives foster a sense of community and ensure that the benefits of the airport’s success are shared with the broader society.
Through the iGA Academy, the airport provides training and development programs for its employees, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. This commitment to education extends to the wider community, where the airport supports schools and educational institutions. By investing in education and community development, iGA Istanbul Airport is helping to build a more inclusive and prosperous future. These efforts reflect the airport’s understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Environmental Achievements and Future Goals
Waste Reduction and Recycling
iGA Istanbul Airport is committed to waste reduction and increased recovery rates. The airport was the first in Turkey to receive the Zero-Waste Certificate. In 2023, the airport successfully separated 53,135 tons of waste, recycling 34.66% of it. This initiative prevented 1,079 tons of carbon emissions and avoided using over 100,000 tons of oil. These achievements demonstrate the airport’s dedication to sustainable waste management and its role as a pioneer in environmental practices within the aviation industry.
The airport’s waste management strategy includes comprehensive recycling programs, waste segregation protocols, and partnerships with recycling facilities. These efforts ensure that a significant portion of the airport’s waste is diverted from landfills and repurposed for beneficial use. The airport also engages in awareness campaigns to educate passengers and employees about the importance of waste reduction and recycling. By fostering a culture of sustainability, iGA Istanbul Airport is making strides towards a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste is minimized.
Biodiversity and Wildlife Management
iGA Istanbul Airport, a key international travel hub linking Europe and Asia, has released its 2023 Sustainability Report. Operating under the principle “Focus on the Planet, Target for the Future,” the airport showcases a strong commitment to sustainability on social, economic, and environmental fronts. This decade-long dedication highlights ongoing efforts and significant strides toward a future that is more sustainable for both humanity and the planet. The report details initiatives taken to minimize environmental impact, improve efficiency, and contribute to the local community. By aiming for these ambitious targets, iGA Istanbul Airport not only positions itself as a leader in sustainable practices but also sets a precedent for other airports worldwide. Their multi-faceted approach involves reducing carbon emissions, promoting green energy, and enhancing waste management systems. The airport’s initiative underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into all operational aspects, ensuring that progress made today will benefit future generations.
