Sharjah Airport adopts programmes to protect the environment

Sharjah International Airport Authority has exerted efforts, and undertaken initiatives, events and activities towards comprehensive sustainable development, environmental preservation, energy sustainability, and others.

Sharjah International Airport is committed to preserving and protecting the environment, keeping carbon within the required level, and reducing the environmental impacts of operations. This commitment is achieved by reducing pollution levels, whereas the airport manages its activities through a well-established environmental management system that has been certified by “ISO 14001” since 2007.

Sharjah Airport has become the first carbon-neutral airport in GCC and the second in the Middle East to attain Neutrality accreditation, from the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, issued by Airports Council International (ACI), which grants accreditation certificates to airports, in recognition of their efforts in managing and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was launched by ACI, in Europe, in 2009, then expanded to include the Asia-Pacific region, in November 2011, and is the only independent standard regarding the management and reduction of carbon emissions in airports. It is being applied at a consistent pace around the world.

Sharjah Airport determines the sources of carbon emissions resulting from operational activities, upon completion of measuring the airport’s carbon footprint, and plans are being developed for “carbon management,” which includes establishing indicators to reduce carbon emissions; developing a carbon management plan; working on vital projects to reduce energy use; and managing solid waste and treating water.

Sharjah International Airport Authority adopted electrically operated mechanisms in the field of ground handling, and equipped stations to supply the vehicles with electricity, as part of different environmental initiatives aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

The Authority approved a solid waste management system, in partnership with partners and service providers, and organises environmental awareness campaigns throughout the year.

In 2019, Sharjah International Airport Authority launched the sewage treatment plant expansion project, which has the capacity to treat wastewater with a capacity of 3000 cubic metres per day for reuse in irrigating green areas, as part of its efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce depletion of natural water resources, in line with the UAE Vision 2021.

Sharjah International Airport Authority activated the solar lighting system, installing 50 lighting poles and 61 individual lamps connected to 33 solar panels, as part of achieving the goals of the National Agenda and the Clean Energy Index.

In the same context, the Authority adopted environmentally friendly vehicles and replaced ground handling vehicles with green “electric” vehicles, which constitute 15% of the total number of vehicles.

Separate waste containers were placed by BEEAH Group, and a site was allocated for a landfill, at the airport, where wood, metals and paper are collected separately and recycled. Waste of hazardous materials, such as flammable chemicals, is disposed of by BEEAH Group and Sharjah municipality. 

Sharjah International Airport Authority supervises the development of green areas at the airport, where the agricultural area extends over 54710 square meters, including a total of 9477 trees, more than 1950 square metres of seasonal plants, and 885 indoor plants.

Source: Sharjah 24