Efforts on to cut carbon emissions at Oman airports

Muscat: Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has made significant advances towards carbon neutrality by taking Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport into the only internationally-approved scheme for managing global airport carbon emissions — Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation standard.
As a result, OAMC is working alongside ACI to develop and implement a carbon management plan.
“We believe in our environmental responsibility, and we are committed to addressing climate change within the context of our strategy,” said Salim bin Ali Al Harthi, Health, Safety and Environment Senior Manager, OAMC. “Mapping the carbon footprint helps us improve energy demand management through modern technology, enabling us to continuously improve operational practices and consider further investments in low-carbon generation.”
OAMC also plans for the regional airports of Duqm and Sohar to achieve the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation, as a result of the implementation of progressive energy reduction policies across the OAMC portfolio, including a key target to reduce electricity consumption by not less than 5 per cent in 2018.
“OAMC plans to reach carbon neutrality by working on an extensive programme to reduce electricity consumption by installing power factor correcting devices, investing in solar energy and managing fuel consumption,” explained Al Harthi.
“We are also running campaigns among staff members, stakeholders and partners to raise awareness about the wise use of energy.
“The company’s long-term goal is to achieve neutral carbon emissions under its direct control,” added Al Harthi.
“Salalah Airport has achieved level 1 mapping in this programme recently, while Muscat International Airport is almost ready to get to level 2 Reduction of Airport Carbon Accreditation before the end of 2017, and our regional airports will follow.”
As OAMC prepares to host ACI Airport Exchange, Airports Council International’s biggest annual trade show takes place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 5-7 (supported by exclusive media partner Times of Oman); Salim bin Ali Al Harthi, Health, Safety and Environment Senior Manager, OAMC, explains the efforts being made to achieve carbon neutrality across Oman’s airports.