Changi Airport has a clear sustainability agenda

Sustainability is one the few key staples on every air cargo conference agenda. While much is discussed in panels and presentations, a few companies out there can actually showcase well-thought-out sustainable activity. Changi Airport Group (CAG)’s Vice President of Cargo Business Division, Jaisey Yip, has written the following guest article for CargoForwarder Global, to illustrate the airport’s manifold approaches to building a more sustainable air cargo hub:

Committed to becoming a more sustainable hub. Image: Changi Airport

Ramping up Changi Airport’s sustainability efforts
Changi Airport ranks 12th globally based on international cargo traffic and is the busiest air cargo hub in Southeast Asia. As we scale our air cargo business and continue to grow Changi as a leading air cargo hub, we remain committed to our sustainability goals.

In line with the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint launched in February 2024, Changi Airport is committed to reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 20% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. In the longer term, we strive towards Net Zero by 2050, enabled by advancements in building energy efficiency technologies, availability of off-site renewable energy and national grid de-carbonization.

A broad, ecosystem-based approach
We are undertaking a broad and ecosystem-based approach towards building a sustainable air cargo hub, which includes 1) promoting the uplift of sustainable aviation fuel; 2) reducing energy consumption and transitioning to cleaner energy, 3) digitalization and technology; 4) enhancing waste management; and 5) intensifying projects with our global and local industry partners.

Recognizing the role of SAF in decarbonizing the aviation sector, Changi has been supporting our airlines’ transition by facilitating uplift trials and pilots over the past years. CAG welcomes the Singapore Government’s announcement of a SAF levy in 2026 to achieve a 1% SAF uplift target for all flights departing Singapore, and will continue to work closely with our airline partners to work towards this target.

Clean energy on a large scale
In expanding the use of renewable energy, Changi Airport has started work on a large-scale installation of solar panels on the roofs of the airport buildings, including the Cargo Agent Buildings in Changi Airfreight Centre (CAC). When completed in 2025, this will be Singapore’s largest single-site rooftop solar panel system.

From 2025, all new airside light vehicles and certain new heavy vehicles like tractors and forklifts will have to be electric, and all airside vehicles will be fueled by cleaner energy by 2040. To this end, we are expanding our EV charging network to over 300 points, in tandem with the needs of our airport partners. For select vehicles and equipment that do not have viable electric alternatives, Changi is conducting trials for these vehicles to be powered by renewable diesel.

Enhanced efficiency through digitalization
By harnessing technology and digitalization, Changi Airport is not only able to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, but also reduce the environmental impact of air cargo operations. For example, the Truck Dock Slot Booking initiative that Changi is rolling out will optimize landside operations at our cargo terminals, reduce truck waiting times, and significantly lower tailpipe and carbon emissions from ground transportation. We are also collaborating with our partners to trial autonomous solutions, like autonomous tractors and tugs which run on cleaner energy, to increase operation efficiency.

Developing circular economy
Changi Airport is dedicated to improving waste management practices and progressing towards a circular economy. At the CAC, we are actively implementing strategies to minimize waste going into landfills. Designated recycling containers have been positioned at each Cargo Agent Building to facilitate the recycling of the waste generated from our tenants’ cargo business and operations. Regular E-waste collection drives are also conducted. Recyclability rate is also closely tracked and monitored.

Decarbonizing pharma transports
As a founding and strategic member of Pharma.Aero, we play an active role in developing and driving projects to decarbonize air pharma transportation. Changi Airport was excited to co-lead Pharma.Aero’s Green Air Pharma Logistics (GAPL) project, which set out the building blocks of a Lane Sustainability Readiness Index (LSRI). Through this project and the White Paper developed, we hope to support global shippers and freight forwarders in their sustainability considerations during their freight procurement and lane assessment process, and towards achieving their Scope 3 emission targets. As a next step, we will also be co-leading the GAPL Air Transport System (Packaging) project to examine the sustainability impact of tertiary packaging, active/passive systems and air cargo consumables on the transportation of pharmaceutical shipment.

Stronger together
More important than ever, multi-stakeholder collaboration is imperative in pursuing greener air logistics and decarbonizing air transportation. Through our monthly e-publication, Changi Cargo Insights, we share best practices and updates on greener air cargo logistics with our local and global air cargo community. We invite our partners to join us in this endeavor, and also support them in their efforts towards enhancing sustainability in air logistics

Jaisey Yip, Vice President of Cargo Business Division at Changi Airport Group

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