Sustainability has always been a priority for Changi Airport and its operations. In addition to essential eco-friendly initiatives like using LED lights and recycling, Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been increasing its sustainability efforts. CAG has been working alongside key stakeholders to minimize the airport’s carbon footprint. One of the most significant initiatives the airport has recently implemented is the introduction of a fully electric fleet of baggage handling tractors used at Terminal 4 (T4). This is a move to decrease the airport’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon footprint. Electric vehicles are increasing globally as they are considered much cleaner than gas-fueled vehicles. To achieve this change, CAG had to convince the ground-handling partners of the benefits of electric cars not just from an operations point of view but also from an environmental perspective.
Changi Airport has recently implemented a significant eco-friendly initiative that involves converting food waste into water. To achieve this, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) invested in digesters, machines that use microbes to break down food waste into water. By reducing the amount of food waste sent to incineration plants, Changi Airport can reduce its overall carbon emissions. Last year, these digesters processed over 250 tonnes of food waste, equivalent to the weight of almost seven A320 planes! With 11 machines installed across all four airport terminals, Changi Airport is currently Singapore’s largest adopter of food waste digesters. These efforts have helped CAG to participate in the Airport Carbon Accreditation, a global program by Airports Council International that encourages and enables airports to track and reduce their carbon emissions. With the potential to achieve carbon neutrality, Changi Airport is making significant strides towards creating a more sustainable future.
Changi Airport has successfully achieved Level Three of the Airport Carbon Accreditation. This was made possible by mapping the airport’s carbon footprint and creating a comprehensive plan to reduce emissions. A stakeholder engagement plan was also developed to influence the airport’s carbon footprint further. In October last year, CAG launched the inaugural Changi Airport Community Environmental Forum. This platform brought together CAG and its major partners, such as the SIA Group, SATS, and SIA Engineering Company, to discuss critical sustainability topics. These topics included recycling and investing in renewable energy. Gerald Ng, CAG’s Director of Business Development, stated, “sustainability – when done right – can be a great force for good.” As Singapore’s international gateway and the world’s sixth busiest airport for international traffic, CAG recognizes its responsibility towards society and the planet. Therefore, it is committed to taking proactive steps to be a world-class air hub that champions sustainability.