Ground handler dnata plans to invest $100m in green operations in the next two years to help it reduce its carbon footprint 20% by 2024, and 50% by 2030.
Investments will span infrastructure, equipment and process improvement with the aim of enhancing operational and environmental efficiency across dnata’s global network.
Green technologies investment has included installation of renewable energy features, such as solar panels, heat recovery units and electric vehicle charging, at dnata's existing facilities in the UK, Singapore and Ireland.
In April, dnata installed a 3.5 megawatt-peak rooftop solar power system across its operations, including its cargo and catering facilities, at Changi Airport in Singapore.
Carbon reduction initiatives will also be incorporated in the construction and operation of dnata’s recently announced new cargo centres in the Netherlands and Iraq.
Investments have additionally been increased in electric and hybrid ramp, ground support (GSE) and forklift equipment, and refurbished existing GSE with new technologies to further decrease emissions and update them to the latest safety and quality standards. As a result, dnata said, it became the first ground handler to successfully complete green aircraft turnarounds using only zero-emission GSE in the USA and UAE.
dnata has also taken initiatives across its business units to conserve water consumption and recycle materials, such as paper, plastic, cardboard, wood, glass, metal, used cooking and mineral oils. Earlier this year, the company committed to reducing its waste to landfill by 20% by 2024.
Steve Allen, chief executive of dnata Group, said: “We’ve been making great progress on reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste and reducing energy and water consumption across our operations. We will further increase our investments and efforts in strong cooperation with our partners to achieve our targets and preserve the environment for current and future generations.”
