GACA Showcases Environmental Conservation Efforts On World Environment Day

Riyadh, SPA – The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has underscored its contributions to environmental conservation in celebration of World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5. This event aims to raise awareness about the natural environment, achieve sustainability, preserve resources, and reduce pollution. GACA has implemented several initiatives to ensure environmentally friendly operations, aligning with Saudi Arabia's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

These initiatives reflect the aviation sector's strategic excellence in implementing projects that adhere to the highest sustainability standards. This is done within a regulatory framework that helps preserve the environment and its natural resources, in cooperation with relevant authorities in the Kingdom and international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI).

Preserving the environment and ensuring sustainable development are among GACA's primary goals. This aligns with its national aviation strategy and the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 concerning the environment and climate on a regional scale. This commitment is evident in the Kingdom's launch of several initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

GACA has launched an environmental sustainability program for Saudi civil aviation, which is a key initiative in the aviation sector's strategy. This program aims to mitigate the environmental impact of civil aviation activities according to global best practices. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing noise pollution around airports, protecting biodiversity, enhancing air quality, conserving energy and water, and improving waste management.

The initiatives and programs adopted by GACA have led to significant achievements in environmental conservation and carbon footprint reduction in the Saudi civil aviation sector. These include King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh receiving Level 3 carbon accreditation and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah receiving Level 2 carbon accreditation from ACI under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program at the end of 2022.

Additionally, international airports received gold awards for green airports from ACI in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was recognized in the category of 15-35 million passengers annually, while King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was recognized in the category of 8-15 million passengers annually.

The Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (APSCO) received Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for designing and building its facilities according to green building concepts. These concepts include reducing energy consumption, relying on clean energy, and minimizing carbon emissions from building use. APSCO achieved this certification two years ago.

GACA's efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for a sustainable future that enhances quality of life. The authority continues to work towards achieving these objectives through its various environmental initiatives and programs.

With inputs from SPA