QAIA has successfully achieved the highest level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program - 'Level 3+ Neutrality' - positioning it as the first carbon neutral airport in the Middle East.
Since being assigned the rehabilitation, enhancement, operation and management of QAIA in 2008, Airport International Group has been driven by a mission to uphold optimal safety and security standards, with an unwavering commitment to protecting the environment by implementing a comprehensive and stringent Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The EMP was developed to assess varied potential environmental risks generated from QAIA operations and activities. Created to minimize and control pollution sources such as carbon emissions, the EMP monitors several elements including air quality, water management, biodiversity management and noise control, among others.
In addition to investing in multiple projects, Airport International Group has been actively seeking methods to minimize power consumption, effectively managing to lower carbon dioxide emissions by 7.8% per passenger from 3.69 kg between 2014 and 2016 to 3.4 kg in 2017 - ultimately saving USD 1.5 million. Total carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 10.7% in 2018 as opposed to 2017.
Key Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Pillars:
EHS Policy Statement:
The EHS Policy Statement - which is part of a comprehensive Integrated Management System (IMS) Policy applicable for operator activities - was devised in alignment with the vision and mission of Airport International Group; requirements and expectations of relevant parties; industry best practices; as well as context analysis, modifications and internal changes.
To guarantee continuous improvement, Airport International Group is committed to:
- Complying with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
- Establishing and reviewing objectives and effectively implementing the requirements of the IMS and Risk Management.
- Ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction at Queen Alia International Airport through an interactive complaints handling - in compliance with financial, operational and organizational requirements.
- Developing and operating a safe airport in compliance with applicable aviation standards and best practices.
- Promoting a safe and healthy work environment through management commitment and staff consultation and participation to establish and develop a proactive health and safety culture for interested parties.
- Implementing and upgrading a sustainable Environmental Management System and continually improving its performance to focus on carbon and water management, pollution prevention and waste segregation and minimization.
- Involving all concerned stakeholders in improvement measures.
Environment, Health and Safety Management
As a renowned airport operator, Airport International Group has been adhering to an EMS that aligns with
ISO 14001 requirements since 2009 and has designed its Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to meet top international standards. In 2013, Airport International Group attained the OHSAS 18001 certification, thus establishing a comprehensive
Environment, Health and Safety Plan.
In November 2018, an EMS audit was conducted based on the ISO 14001:2015 - with the certification being successfully renewed until November 2021 .
Integrated Waste Management (IWM) System
Airport International Group implements an efficient IWM System - based on the following core functions:
SEGREGATING hazardous waste from non-hazardous waste and disposing of harmful materials , as well as recycling items such as tires, batteries and oil-related substances as per requirements and regulations imposed by the Jordanian Ministry of Environment, which cover handling, storing and packaging. A dedicated area is also available for storing hazardous waste.
REDUCING waste quantities transported to landfill sites by implementing a recycling program within the terminal and across various Airport International Group facilities. The program primarily includes materials such as carton, wood, glass and aluminum, in addition to negligible amounts of other types of waste - with 47% of segregation waste being cardboard. In 2018, the percentage of recyclables reached 16% of total waste - up 3% from 2017 - emphasizing the commitment of Airport International Group to continuously improving the IWM System.
REUSING food waste to generate organic composting fertilizer utilized for enhancing soil quality. The initiative will be launched during 2019 , following trial tests completed in 2018.
Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program
QAIA became involved in the ACA Program by completing 'Level 1 Mapping' in March 2013. This enabled Airport International Group to determine emission sources - 95% of which were found to be generated from electricity consumption - and to possess comprehensive knowledge of the actions required to reduce pollution.
Through implementing a studied carbon emission reduction plan, QAIA successfully achieved 'Level 2 Reduction' in March 2015, positioning it as the first airport in the Middle East to attain this certificate.
Upon lowering carbon dioxide emissions from 4.05 kg per passenger in 2013 to 3.68 kg per passenger in 2014, Airport International Group invited stakeholders and partners to impart the benefits of the program and move forward towards 'Level 3 Optimization'. The collaboration qualified QAIA in March 2016 to become the first airport in the Middle East to complete this level.
Airport International Group's continued implementation of robust environment conservation measures resulted in obtaining the final 'Level 3+ Neutrality' marking a proud milestone in QAIA history.
Airport Noise Management
Noise generated from aircraft operation such as takeoff and landing may adversely affect communities surrounding QAIA. Fortunately, QAIA is located within a sparsely populated land. When compared to airports of similar size, disturbance levels are relatively low in terms of the number of concerned individuals, and despite the significant growth of traffic anticipated for 2025, many options remain open for mitigating the predicted impact of noise.
Noise contour calculations consist of processing and computing airport and flight movement data for given year(s). The tool facilitates the computation of A-weighted equivalent noise levels, specifically the yearly average day-night sound level measurement. Conforming to Jordan's Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) requirements, noise contours categorize to: Ldn over 60dB(A) up to 65 dB(A); over 65 dB(A) up to 70 dB(A); over 70 dB(A) up to 75 dB(A); and over 75 dB(A).
Regarding ground noise, various processes are applied to measure noise at various locations to ensure compliance with national labor law requirements.
Energy Management
To ensure QAIA remains fully operational at all times, a high level of power is required for lighting, ventilation and other activities.
With electricity resulting in 90% of emissions, reducing consumption significantly contributes to mitigating harmful environmental impact and to decreasing costs. Taking effective measures, an energy audit was conducted in 2014 to develop a long-term action plan to lower electricity use. Since then, Airport International Group has succeeded in saving USD 1 million, consequently enabling QAIA to bring down carbon dioxide emissions by 8%. In parallel, multiple projects were implemented to minimize electricity consumption, including the replacement of airfield lighting units at both runways from halogen to LED.
In 2017, QAIA received the Airports Council International (ACI) Silver Asia-Pacific Green Airports Recognition under the theme of 'Energy Management'.
Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP)
A comprehensive EMP is enforced to monitor the quality of soil, water and air at QAIA. Several samples are collected on a monthly basis for evaluation purposes and for ensuring adherence to national legislation requirements.
Moreover, two stations are dedicated to monitoring ambient air quality around-the-clock. The stations are linked to a system that detects any deviation in readings.
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
In order to treat and reuse wastewater for irrigation, a WWTP was established at QAIA. Samples are collected periodically to evaluate quality and to ensure compliance with national legislation requirements. The process relies on activated sludge treatment. Accordingly, plant efficiency reached 95% in removing five-day biochemical oxygen demand; BOD5.
