SOLAR POWER INSTALLATION FOR BRAZILIAN GATEWAY

Salvador Bahia Airport in Brazil has started construction of a solar plant that will help power to its terminal building.

According to concessionaire, VINCI Airports, the project is a first for Brazil and one that demonstrates its commitment to the gateway’s sustainable development.

It notes that when fully operational, the solar plant will supply more than 30% of the terminal’s energy needs.

This is equivalent to the supply of electricity to 3,800 homes and is expected to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint by 690 tonnes per year.

“We have a solid commitment to sustainable development that guides all our actions,” says Salvador Bahia Airport’s environment manager, Rodrigo Tavares.

“Investing in new technologies, improving our processes and engaging our employees towards sustainability are pillars that are part of VINCI Airports’ strategy.”

The construction of the solar plant also meets one of the Millennium Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations’ global agenda for a better world of 2030. 

The airport recently achieved Level 2 ‘Reduction’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, which it attributes to a host of initiatives ranging from improvements to the air-conditioning system, the installation of smart devices such as sensors on stairs, elevators and toilets, and the replacement of conventional lamps for LED-which led to a 134 ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Other ‘green’ initiatives to date include building a Effluent Treatment (ETE), a Waste Plant and a water reuse system and announcing plans to recycle 100% of its waste.