Hamad Airport signs MoU to implement effective waste management methods

Credit: Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport (DOH), through MATAR – the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) to develop and modernise the airport’s facilities by implementing effective methods of waste management.

The MoU outlines the collaboration between MATAR and MME for the management of different types of waste from Hamad Airport to the MME’s Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC). The objectives of the MoU include the development of an integrated system for waste separation; safe transportation, recycling and disposal of waste; and the promotion of environmental awareness and culture of sustainability at the airport.

Commenting on the occasion, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “We, at DOH, are committed to optimising our airport operations by improving our environmental performance. We are delighted to continue to contribute to Qatar’s National Vision 2030 pillar of environmental development by entering this strategic partnership with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to further enhance our waste management systems.”

This collaboration between Hamad Airport and MME is another step by the airport to advance environmental sustainability, which DOH has continued to do so with various measures to reduce waste, greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.

Since 2014, Hamad Airport has showcased its commitment to environmental sustainability by pledging to improve carbon efficiency per traffic unit to 30 per cent by 2030. The airport has since observed a steady downward trend in overall CO₂ emissions and has been certified at Level 3 by the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme.

Hamad Airport’s sustainability measures also extend to waste water management. Most water used at the airport is directed to DOH’s dedicated waste water treatment plant, which returns the treated water for irrigating the airport’s landscape features. In 2018, Hamad Airport’s treatment plant was successful in recovering 93 per cent of waste water for re-use. Qatar’s airport continually reviews its systems to identify areas of improvement for long-term efficiency and sustainability.