The organisation continues to lead the national aviation industry by embracing ecological, social and economic strategies for its network of airports
SEPANG – Malaysia Airports recently welcomed the usage of electric vehicles after pledging the KUL Sustainability Charter to lead the national aviation industry by embracing ecological, social and economic strategies that will foster company longevity and competitiveness for its network of airports. The 2 new Renault Zoe Electric Vehicle (EV) that have been leased by the organisation will be used and tested at the KL International Airport (IATA code: KUL) as part of its long-term plans in reducing carbon emission, optimising operational costs and sustaining the current Airport Carbon Accreditation at Level 3-Optimisation that is certified by the Airport Council International (ACI). It is looking forward to increasing the number of EVs if data compiled from the current usage proves favourable.
According to general manager of engineering services for Malaysia Airports, Ir. Khairiah Salleh who is also the Chair for Regional Environment Committee (REC) of ACI Asia-Pacific for 2019-2020, the organisation is highly committed in practicing green technology while delivering high service quality to related stakeholders. She said that it is very important to sustain the environment especially in aviation for the future generation.
“Our aim in becoming a green airport can only be achieved when all aspects of operational works are taken into consideration. We have already implemented many initiatives that improve the management of energy, water and waste at our airports. It is crucial we practice measures that are environmentally friendly and beneficial to our operations. Usage of the EV is yet another milestone for us in integrating all initiatives to reach a common goal,” she added.
The EV can store energy capacity lasting up to 210km of travel distance before recharging it for an hour for the next usage. Malaysia Airports aims to replace the current leased fuel cars to EVs as they can contribute to reduction of 19,000kg carbon dioxide emission produced per car per year.
Khairiah also shared that Malaysia Airports has already implemented 3 electric charging stations for passenger EVs at the Block A Carpark of KUL whereas the parking facility at gateway@klia2, the 2nd terminal of KUL has 4 stations. Installation works of new charging stations for the usage by the groundhandlers at the airside are also ongoing at KUL, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Miri Airport and Penang International Airport.
So far, among the awards and recognitions that Malaysia Airports has won for its green initiatives include the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Certificate in 2017- Gold, Airports Council International (ACI) Green Airports Recognition 2017- Platinum and 32nd International Maintenance Conference Uptime Awards 2017 for Best Green Reliability in Florida, USA.