CREDIT: Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC
In the heart of Lapu-Lapu City stands a testament to innovation and sustainability - Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). Managed by the forward-thinking Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, MCIA is not just an airport; it’s a bold symbol of a greener future. Its recent achievement of Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation recognition is a testament to its commitment to becoming a sustainable aviation hub. But this is just the beginning of an ambitious journey.
MCIA is setting new standards and breaking barriers in airport operations, with a vision to achieve a Net Zero Target by 2050. The term 'Net Zero' stands for minimizing carbon emissions to a residual level that can be naturally absorbed and stored, leaving a zero balance in the atmosphere.
To facilitate this monumental goal, MCIA plans to upgrade its operations by implementing more bridge-mounted pre-conditioned air (PCA) and ground power units (GPUs). These technologically advanced systems will replace the existing motorized GPUs and auxiliary PUs, significantly reducing carbon emissions during aircraft parking and passenger boarding.
The airport also plans to enhance its sustainability by using electric ground support equipment and other airside vehicles. In addition, MCIA will expand its existing solar power plant to other areas of the airport, aiming to harness the power of the sun to the fullest.
“Achieving Net Zero emissions is not just about reducing our carbon footprint; it’s about ensuring that our impact on the environment is effectively neutralized, leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations,” says Athanasios Titonis, MCIA President and CEO. This commitment to environmental responsibility reflects the airport's dedication to preserving the planet for those who will inherit it.
MCIA's mission to reduce its carbon emissions has not gone unnoticed. The airport's recent Level I Airport Carbon Accreditation from the Airports Council International, a first in the Philippines, is a testament to the comprehensive approach taken by MCIA in managing carbon emissions.
MCIA's green initiatives include installing a rooftop solar power plant and energy-efficient equipment such as LED lights. The airport also monitors electricity and fuel consumption regularly and conducts emission tests for ground support equipment and emergency generators.
MCIA’s journey towards accreditation continued with a rigorous evaluation of its carbon management practices. Embracing the ACA framework, MCIA undertook a thorough assessment of its operations, aligning with the program’s six levels of certification, each representing a distinct stage in the carbon management journey.
In a significant step, MCIA released a Policy Commitment to Emissions Reduction, a public written commitment to greenhouse gas, carbon, or energy reduction at the highest level in the form of a policy statement signed by Julius G. Neri, Jr., MCIA Authority (MCIAA) CEO and General Manager.
To further demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability, MCIA developed a Carbon Footprint Report covering 2022 data, a key component of the ACA. By setting operational boundaries, Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from MCIAA and Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC were identified and quantified to determine the total carbon emissions generated by MCIA operations.
“Securing Level 1 ACA underscores our unwavering dedication to sustainable aviation practices. It validates our efforts to minimize our carbon footprint and sets a model for airports in the country and even across the region to follow,” Titonis noted.
In its continuous pursuit of creating a superior customer experience, MCIA has also announced its transition to become a 'silent airport.' This practice, followed by globally renowned airports like Singapore Changi Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is characterized by the minimal or complete absence of background noise, such as repetitive announcements over loudspeakers. This transition is designed to mitigate noise pollution and foster a serene atmosphere for travelers, further reinforcing MCIA’s commitment to a holistic sustainable approach.
In conclusion, MCIA is not just a transportation hub but a beacon of innovation and sustainability. With its ambitious plans and relentless pursuit of a greener future, MCIA is indeed the green gateway to a sustainable tomorrow.
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