Following the 'Net Zero' roadmap, IGA Istanbul Airport completed the year 2022 with 13% lower emissions compared to the previous year. In comparison to the baseline year of 2019, a 21% reduction in emissions was achieved in 2022.
For Scope 1 and 2 emissions, a reduction of 23% by 2025 and 45% by 2030 is targeted, and projects are being developed to reduce Scope 3 emissions from airport stakeholders.
Moreover, within IGA Istanbul Airport, 35% of water consumption was derived from reclaimed water sources in 2022, and solid waste recycling rate increased from 31% to 34%.
Embracing the motto "Our Focus is the World, Our Goal is the Future," IGA Istanbul Airport places sustainability at the heart of all its activities, and its 2021-2022 Sustainability Report reflects its 'sustainability strategy' that encompasses the future of mobility, environmental integrity, and societal benefits.
IGA Istanbul Airport guides its efforts with a sense of responsibility towards future generations, emphasizing responsible consumption and management. The report shares the airport's practices, achievements, and future goals aligned with this approach in detail.
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
With a focus on human life, environmental respect, and societal wellbeing, IGA Istanbul Airport continues to work diligently with all stakeholders to leave a more livable world for future generations in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The report outlines IGA Istanbul Airport's 2030 goals, which are a crucial part of its sustainability planning, outlining the key steps toward a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world in the context of mobility.
Steps towards the Future of Mobility
IGA Istanbul Airport's efforts for the future of mobility and its achievements in the aviation sector have been recognized and awarded by prominent international organizations during this period. Having been selected as "Europe's Busiest Airport" for three consecutive years and voted "World's Best Airport" by Condé Nast Traveler readers, IGA Istanbul Airport also received the "Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation," a recognition for its "Accessible Airport" concept, by ACI in 2022. Additionally, through the collaboration with ITU Çekirdek, IGA HUB was established to support innovative entrepreneurial ideas in aviation, digitalization, and sustainability. Partnerships were also established with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for "Regional Training Partnership" and with the Airports Council International (ACI) for "Global Training Agreement – Training Center Accreditation."
Preserving Environmental Integrity as the Focus
IGA Istanbul Airport places preserving the environmental integrity at its core and was awarded the "Eco-Innovation" prize by ACI for its efforts in energy and operational efficiency, particularly in Big Data Management and Internet of Things initiatives. The airport achieved a 13% reduction in emissions in 2022 compared to the previous year according to the 'Net Zero' roadmap aligned with the "2050 Net Zero Emission Commitment" and IPCC's 1.5°C goals. Moreover, with the aim of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 23% by 2025 and 45% by 2030, projects are being developed to decrease Scope 3 emissions from airport stakeholders. Furthermore, the airport's use of reclaimed water sources contributed to 35% of water consumption in 2022, and the solid waste recycling rate increased from 31% to 34%.
Demonstrating Commitment through Carbon Accreditation
IGA Istanbul Airport demonstrated its commitment to climate change mitigation by meeting the criteria of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program and receiving a carbon accreditation certificate. In 2022, through its carbon footprint management and reduction efforts, the airport achieved a Level 3 certification in a short period under the same program, having initially obtained a Level 1 certification.
Furthermore, within the framework of the CDP Climate Change Program that provides high-quality information about sustainability risks and opportunities affecting companies around the world, IGA received an A- score in the Türkiye Climate Change program, making it one of the 15 leading companies among Türkiye Leaders.
Measuring the Impact of Social Investments
Another significant development in IGA Istanbul Airport's sustainability activities in 2022 was the publication of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) Report, measuring the impact of its social investments. The results of the analysis revealed that every 1 TL invested in the "Social Investment Program" created a social impact worth 5.6 TL for stakeholders in the program. Accredited by Social Value International (SVI), this analysis marked one of the most comprehensive impact assessments in the private sector. IGA Istanbul Airport aims to continue measuring the value it adds and the social impact it generates through its activities in the coming years. In addition, the airport received awards for "World's Most Family Friendly Airport" and "Best Shopping Experience Airport" in the 2022 World Airport Awards.
"IGA is determined to lead in sustainable mobility..."
Kadri Samsunlu, CEO of IGA Istanbul Airport, reflected on the Sustainability Report and the sustainability initiatives, emphasizing that sustainability transformation is both complex and urgent. He stated, "In our evolving philosophy that focuses on adding societal value, sustainability is our top priority. In 2022, we took our efforts further than ever before."
He highlighted that they measured their sustainability impacts, engaged in long-term planning, and restructured their goals and sustainability management system. Under the 2030 plan, they defined their sustainability vision and goals with a team comprising representatives from all departments of the organization and external consultants.
Under the motto "Our Focus is the World, Our Goal is the Future," they dedicated themselves to "bringing different cultures together, using technology for the benefit of people and the environment to make journeys comfortable and safe, and bringing the mobility methods of the future to the present." As a global player, IGA is committed to leading the sustainable transformation of mobility. Samsunlu emphasized the crucial role of all stakeholders in this transformation.
Please note that the translation provided is a direct rendering of the Turkish text into English, and some sentences might be adapted for better readability and coherence.
