Waste Management Focus Areas

Thiruvananthapuram Becomes the first Indian Airport to be Certified for Zero Waste to Landfill

Implementing zero waste to landfill at airports is essential for reducing environmental impact, saving costs, complying with regulations, enhancing public image, and improving operational efficiency. By minimising and diverting waste sent to landfills, airports can significantly lower pollution, conserve resources, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability. This approach not only benefits the environment but also attracts environmentally-conscious travellers and businesses, while streamlining waste management processes and potentially reducing operational costs.

Waste Management Strategy

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TIAL) has adopted a comprehensive waste management strategy based on the cradle-to-cradle concept. The core focus of TIAL's strategy is the adoption of the 5R principles: Reduce, Reuse, Reprocess, Recycle, and Recover. This prioritises waste minimisation and ensures that all generated waste is managed efficiently.

Material Recovery Facility (MRF)

All waste generated at TIAL is managed at a dedicated Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The waste management process at the MRF involves five stages.

• Collection: Gathering waste from various sources within the airport
• Identification: Categorising waste types for appropriate processing
• Segregation: Separating waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials
• Storage: Safely storing waste until it can be processed or disposed of
• Responsible Disposal: Ensuring waste is disposed of in accordance with national rules and regulations

Achievements and Recognition

Through effective implementation of its waste management strategy, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has become India's first airport to earn the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) recognition from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This recognition showcases TIAL’s dedication to sustainability and its commitment to environmental stewardship.

By embracing the 5R principles and implementing a strong value chain system, TIAL has achieved an impressive landfill diversion rate of 99.50%. This achievement sets a new benchmark in waste management among Indian airports. The benefits of this initiative include:

• Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in pollution and conservation of resources
• Cost Savings: Reduced waste management costs and potential operational savings
• Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to national waste management regulations
• Enhanced Public Image: Improved reputation among environmentally-conscious travelers and businesses
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined waste management processes leading to better operational efficiency

The zero waste to landfill certification of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport demonstrates a successful model of sustainable waste management. By adopting the 5R principles and focussing on waste minimisation, TIAL has set a high standard for other airports to follow. This case study highlights the significant environmental, economic, and operational benefits of implementing a zero waste to landfill policy, showcasing TIAL’s leadership in sustainability and commitment to a greener future.

Waste to Wealth: Utilization of Fly Ash and Pond Ash in Road Construction

The disposal of industrial byproducts such as pond ash and fly ash presents significant environmental challenges. Our Roads business addresses this issue by transforming these byproducts into valuable resources for road construction, thereby minimizing waste and promoting sustainability.

Pond Ash Utilization

Pond ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, is effectively utilized in road construction for various purposes. Its incorporation into road bases offers several environmental benefits:

• Reduces Environmental Impact: By using pond ash, we minimize the need for natural resources, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of road construction.
• Conserves Water: The use of pond ash helps in conserving water resources during construction.
• Protects Topsoil: By substituting pond ash for natural materials, we have conserved more than 50,84,720 metric tonnes of topsoil, protecting it from degradation.
• Prevents Vegetation Loss: Utilizing pond ash helps in preserving vegetation in construction areas.

This approach is both cost-effective and eco-friendly, enhancing road durability and extending lifespan, which ultimately reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

Fly Ash Utilization

Fly ash, another byproduct of coal combustion, is extensively used in road construction. Its applications include:

• Road Bases: Similar to pond ash, fly ash is used in the construction of road bases, providing a stable foundation
• Concrete Mix Formulation: Fly ash is employed in concrete mix formulations, enhancing the durability of concrete structures. This reduces cement consumption, minimizing environmental impact
• The use of fly ash in road construction promotes sustainable practices by reducing waste and conserving natural resources

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The utilisation of pond ash and fly ash in road construction offers numerous benefits:

• Environmental Preservation: By repurposing industrial by-products, we reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and conserve natural resources
• Economic Value Creation: The use of these byproducts is cost-effective, reducing the overall cost of road construction and maintenance
• Sustainability: This practice supports sustainable development by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and reducing the carbon footprint of construction activities

Our Roads business demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by transforming industrial byproducts into valuable resources for road construction. The use of pond ash and fly ash not only addresses environmental challenges but also promotes economic value creation and sustainable development. This case study highlights how innovative practices in road construction can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits, setting a precedent for future projects.