Speaker Bio: Suman Ramasundaram is the Associate Vice President (AVP) leading the Airport Planning and Development Department at Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), where she ensures that the airport meets the growing air traffic demands with adequate capacity and operational flexibility. With over 24 years of experience as a Project Manager and Aviation Engineer, Suman has successfully led various airport and highway projects worldwide.
Before joining BIAL, she worked as a consultant with Jacobs and ATKINS on prominent projects including Chicago O'Hare, Washington Dulles, Hong Kong International, and Bangalore International Airports. Her expertise encompasses business development, client relationship management, program and project management, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity.
Suman holds a Master’s degree from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, along with a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license from the USA. She is also the founder and former president of the Engineers Without Borders Pittsburgh Chapter. Passionate about creating a positive impact, Suman leverages her extensive knowledge, global exposure, and leadership experience to drive meaningful change in the aviation industry.
Talk Title:Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Airports with Bangalore International Airport as a case study
Talk Summary:Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) has made significant strides in its sustainability commitments, earning accolades such as the ACI-LAC Green Airport Recognition, achieving ACI Level 5 accreditation, and obtaining LEED Platinum Certification. These initiatives are critical not only for enhancing the airport's environmental performance but also for ensuring business continuity and supporting future growth. BIAL has established itself as a leader in sustainable aviation infrastructure by integrating environmental stewardship with operational excellence.
As one of India’s busiest airports, BIAL has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy focused on water stewardship, achieving net-zero carbon emissions, community-aligned noise management, advancing a circular economy, and promoting sustainable mobility. Notably, it is among the few airports globally to be fully powered by renewable energy, steadily progressing toward its net-zero emissions goal.
This talk will delve into the evolution of sustainability at BIAL, highlighting key initiatives, the challenges encountered, and the innovative solutions employed. With BIAL set to invest $2 billion over the next five years, the session will offer valuable insights into how large-scale infrastructure projects can drive environmental responsibility while maintaining operational efficiency and profitability.
In addition to exploring BIAL's sustainability journey, the talk will draw upon the speaker’s 24 years of experience in planning, designing and operating airports across the United States, Hong Kong, and India, providing practical perspectives and lessons for the next generation of sustainability researchers and practitioners.