Kempegowda International GREEN Airport: Redefining Sustainable Airport Design

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is a model for eco-friendly airport design. The airport’s new terminal is especially noteworthy for its use of sustainable materials and innovative green technologies. Here are some additional facts and elaboration on the points that make this airport exceptional:

An Airport in a Garden

• Extensive Indoor Plantings: The new terminal features over 600,000 plants integrated throughout the building, making the airport feel like a garden. This not only creates a calming environment for passengers but also improves air quality and adds natural beauty to the space.
• Soil-Free Plant Growth: The indoor plants are grown without soil, using cocopeat as a medium. Cocopeat, derived from coconut husks, requires less water than traditional soil and is a renewable resource. The plants need less than 10 milliliters of water daily, minimizing water usage and maintenance.
• Green Walls and Vertical Gardens: The terminal includes green walls and vertical gardens, which contribute to the airport’s garden-like ambiance. These features enhance the terminal’s visual appeal and further improve air quality by acting as natural air purifiers.

Maximized Use of Natural Light

• Innovative Architectural Design: The company that designed the new terminal is known for creating the tallest building in the world, and they brought their expertise in maximizing natural light to Bengaluru Airport. The terminal’s layout allows sunlight to flood the interior spaces during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Energy Savings: The terminal’s reliance on natural light not only creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere for passengers but also results in significant energy savings. By eliminating the need for artificial lighting during the day, the airport reduces its carbon footprint and operational costs.

Bamboo as a Primary Building Material

• Eco-Friendly Construction: Nearly 80% of the new terminal is constructed using bamboo, a sustainable and renewable material. Bamboo’s rapid growth rate and low carbon footprint make it an excellent choice for eco-friendly construction.
• Local Sourcing: As the second-largest producer of bamboo in the world, India has a rich supply of this material. The airport’s use of bamboo supports local industry and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
• Durable and Reusable: Bamboo is not only sustainable but also highly durable and versatile. The material’s strength and resilience make it suitable for various architectural applications. Additionally, bamboo can be reused in other projects, promoting a circular economy.

Waste Management

• Comprehensive Waste Segregation: BLR Airport employs meticulous waste segregation to separate recyclable and compostable materials from general waste. This process is crucial for reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.
• Recycling and Composting: The airport actively recycles materials such as paper, plastic, and metal, and has established composting facilities for organic waste. This not only reduces landfill usage but also contributes to the production of nutrient-rich compost for gardening and landscaping.
• Integrated Solid Waste Management Plant: BLR Airport is equipping an Integrated Solid Waste Management plant within its premises. This advanced facility aims to process various types of waste efficiently and sustainably. Through this plant, the airport aspires to achieve a “Zero Waste to Landfill” goal, drastically reducing its environmental impact.

Plastic Circularity

• Eliminating Single-Use Plastic: The airport has taken proactive measures to phase out single-use plastic items within its premises. This effort aligns with global initiatives to combat plastic pollution and encourages passengers and businesses at the airport to adopt reusable alternatives.
• Plastic Waste Roads: BLR Airport has introduced an innovative approach by using plastic waste in road construction. By replacing 6% of the bitumen in airport roads with recycled plastic, the airport not only diverts plastic waste from landfills but also creates durable, long-lasting roads.
• Raising Awareness: The airport promotes plastic circularity by educating staff, visitors, and stakeholders about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic. These initiatives help to foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility within the airport community.

Kempegowda International Airport’s new terminal sets an example for sustainable design and innovation in the aviation industry. With its focus on greenery, natural light, and eco-friendly construction materials, the airport offers a unique and environmentally conscious travel experience. This approach is helping to protect the planet while providing an exceptional experience for travelers.