Aeropuerto El Dorado

10 of March, 2021

El Dorado: an airport highlighted in the region for combating climate change and reducing carbon footprint amid the pandemic.

The Airports Council International (ACI) has recognized the initiatives undertaken at El Dorado amidst the current crisis.
The airports chosen by regions were Schiphol Airport in Europe, Melbourne Airport in Asia and the Pacific, San Francisco Airport in North America, and El Dorado in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the case of El Dorado, the report highlights the replacement of conventional sodium lamps with LED technology, as well as the interconnection project of air conditioning systems, which guarantees an estimated energy savings of 50,000 kWh per month, among other measures.

Bogotá D.C., February 15, 2021. El Dorado Airport was highlighted in the latest "Airport Carbon Accreditation Interim Report 2019-2020" by ACI World - Airports Council International. The report features case studies of airports committed to continuing their efforts against climate change, despite the current crisis.

The airports selected by region were Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) in Europe, Melbourne Airport (Australia) in Asia and the Pacific, San Francisco Airport (USA) in North America, and El Dorado Airport (Colombia) in Latin America and the Caribbean. The report emphasized El Dorado's initiatives in energy efficiency and carbon management during the pandemic, as well as its future sustainability plans.

The report examines various success stories regarding how airports worldwide have reduced their carbon footprint during the pandemic. For El Dorado, it highlighted:

Key environmental initiatives implemented in recent months

During the pandemic phase, only what was strictly necessary was used to ensure thermal comfort and air quality. A retrofit project was also initiated in the lighting system, replacing conventional sodium, metal halide, and fluorescent lamps with LED technology. A total of 14,236 luminaires were replaced, resulting in an estimated energy savings of 450,000 kWh per month, with an expected annual energy consumption reduction of 15%.
Optimization of the operation cycles of air conditioning systems, ensuring their rational use based on the thermal load of the building and the number of passengers transported.
Progress in the interconnection project of air conditioning systems, which will provide greater versatility in the use of these systems and guarantee an estimated energy savings of 50,000 kWh per month, thus avoiding emissions of 8.2t of CO2eq per month.

Future Carbon Management Plans

El Dorado will continue working on the implementation of new projects aimed at energy efficiency, the sustainability of its processes, and the achievement of the Neutrality goal by 2030.

In the short term, the implementation of automated systems such as radar-type sensors and state-of-the-art controllers is estimated, which will allow the use of equipment only when necessary and optimize the use of vertical and horizontal transportation equipment (elevators, escalators, and conveyor belts).

In the medium term, the installation of more solar panels on the airport terminal's roof is envisaged, which will increase the total installed capacity in unconventional energy.

For long-term plans, the promotion of electric mobility is projected.

In this way, the country's main airport terminal develops various initiatives that integrate innovation and regulatory compliance to create a balance between environmental, social, and economic factors.

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI) is the international organization of airports, with 1,960 airports in 176 countries. The office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) has 270 airports in 34 countries that manage 95% of the region's air traffic.

The Airport Carbon Accreditation program is a global carbon management program for airports that independently assesses and recognizes airports' efforts to manage and reduce their emissions.

At El Dorado, the work for sustainability never stops.