Athens Airport Renews Commitment to Protect Environment

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2015 on June 5, Athens International Airport renewed its commitment to protect the environment by minimising the airport’s impact and adopting initiatives to improve its environmental performance.

The initiatives include:

1. Management and Reduction of Carbon Footprint
Renewal at Level 3 (Optimisation) of Airport Carbon Accreditation, a voluntary programme aiming to help airports manage and reduce their carbon footprint.

2. Significant increase of recycling rate
AIA achieved a recycling rate of 52% in 2014, approaching the target of 60% set for 2016.

3. Rewarding of the schools of the Spata-Artemis Municipality for recycling
For one more year, AIA rewarded the schools of the Spata-Artemis Municipality for the active participation of their students in the airport’s recycling programme. In 2014 the students recycled 6.4 tonnes of paper, bringing the total amount of material recycled since the programme started in 2005, to more than 55 tonnes.

4. Scholarships programme
For the 13th consecutive year, AIA offered scholarships to 2 postgraduate students at the University of the Aegean (Department of Environmental Studies) in order to encourage and strengthen academic research in the field of environmental protection.

5. Protection of the Vravrona Wetland
For the 8th year, in collaboration with the Hellenic Ornithological Society, AIA continued its programme for the Upgrade and Protection of the Vravrona Wetland. In the framework of the programme, 2,461 pupils from 54 schools visited the wetland in 2014 and discovered its unique ecological and cultural value.

Airport environmental distinction and recycling competition for airport employees

In addition, in recognition of the airport’s leading role in the field of environmental protection, Athens Airport recently received an “Excellent Performance” Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability category, during the Transport & Logistics Awards 2015.

Moreover, in honour of World Environment Day, on June 5 AIA organized a one-day recycling competition for airport employees, aiming to raise awareness and encourage recycling across the airport site.

Finally, AIA is also supporting a voluntary clean-up of the “OTE forest” the by students from the 4th Elementary School of Artemis in collaboration with the neighbouring Municipality.

Photo source: Athens International Airport