Korea Airports Corporation Receives Prime Minister's Commendation for Carbon Neutrality Promotion Efforts

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Korea Airports Corporation announced on the 18th that it received the ‘Prime Minister’s Commendation’ in the building and transportation sector at the 'Carbon Neutrality Promotion Merit' awards ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, recognizing the carbon neutrality promotion achievements and efforts of 14 airports nationwide, including Gimpo International Airport.

The 'Carbon Neutrality Promotion Merit' is a system where the government evaluates greenhouse gas reduction efforts and achievements in six sectors, including transition and industry, building and transportation, to reward outstanding organizations and individuals in order to spread public consensus for the 2030 national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) and 2050 carbon neutrality.

The Corporation established the ‘KAC-type 2050 Carbon Neutrality Mid-to-Long-Term Strategy’ by identifying three major strategies and 18 detailed implementation tasks to achieve the national greenhouse gas reduction target and realize carbon neutrality. It organized the ‘ESG Management Committee,’ composed of the CEO and external experts, to establish a promotion system for achieving carbon neutrality.

To realize energy self-sufficiency and a carbon-free airport, it established a roadmap for introducing solar renewable energy by utilizing idle spaces such as parking lots. It is expanding and building eco-friendly infrastructure for carbon-neutral airports, including a demonstration project for regenerative braking devices, an innovative energy-saving product for elevators, and carbon sink creation projects.

Since 2011, the Corporation has operated the airport carbon point system, where 4,377 institutions and companies, including commercial facilities, resident organizations, and airlines, voluntarily implemented energy-saving measures. It was recognized for diverse carbon neutrality promotion achievements, such as reducing about 410,000 tCO₂ through environmentally friendly recycling procedures for waste electronic products, installation of reusable cup collection machines, and introduction of eco-friendly vehicles.

Yoon Hyung-jung, President of Korea Airports Corporation, said, “We are very honored that our efforts toward carbon neutrality have been recognized,” and added, “As a public enterprise, we will play a leading role in achieving the national greenhouse gas reduction target and realizing carbon neutrality.”