Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has marked another major achievement in its sustainability journey with its Terminal (T1, T2 and T3) and Cargo Buildings (Import and Export) being awarded the prestigious IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Net Zero Energy (Operations Pre-Certified) Rating. The recognition was conferred at the 23rd Green Building Congress, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
The IGBC Net Zero Energy (Operations Pre-Certified) Rating is one of India’s top recognitions for buildings that use energy efficiently and rely on renewable sources. A net zero energy building produces as much energy as it consumes over a year. The 'operations pre-certified' status shows that CIAL’s terminal and cargo buildings already meet strict standards and are on track to achieve full net zero energy operations. This means the airport uses significantly less power while depending on clean, renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact. The certification involved a thorough evaluation of energy use, passenger comfort, advanced air-conditioning, smart lighting, and high-efficiency equipment, ensuring both sustainability and a comfortable experience for passengers and airport operations.
The award was received by S. Suhas IAS, Managing Director, CIAL, along with Manu G., Airport Director, in the presence of representatives from Green Think Certification Services (GTCS) Green Certification Consultants, Deepa Ganesh and Shreeganesh V. Nair.
Upon receiving the award, CIAL Managing Director said, “This recognition is a motivation for the future as CIAL aims to further strengthen its sustainability initiatives with a clear objective of achieving the IGBC Net Zero Energy Platinum Rating, setting even higher benchmarks for environmental performance”. CIAL’s achievements are driven by its innovative renewable energy initiatives, including large-scale solar power projects, efficient building operations, and sustainable design practices. The airport is also set to become the world’s first airport to produce green hydrogen, further strengthening its position as a global leader in sustainable aviation.