There is growing public pressure on the aviation industry to reduce its contribution to global warming, and it’s not only the gas-guzzling jets that are to blame. The increased energy consumption caused by the construction of additional terminals, ground transportation vehicles, and other airport infrastructures increases the airport’s carbon footprint.
A growing number of airports throughout the world are adopting environmentally friendly practices into their infrastructures to help them become more sustainable and reduce their environmental effect. So, what are the key components that airports are focusing on to make airport infrastructures sustainable?
Key Elements of Sustainability in Airport Infrastructures
Innovative and Sustainable Building Design
A sustainable airport building incorporates a range of architectural elements and programs to improve the facility’s internal and external resource efficiency. On an internal level, circular practices involve things like using low- or zero-carbon materials, producing renewable energy on-site, purchasing local items, and installing triple-glazed windows. Externally, the focus extends to minimising noise, recycling stormwater, and preserving biodiversity.
Using recycled materials is a great way to improve sustainability in airport infrastructures while also cutting costs. This combines the principles of circularity and efficiency. Runway repairs and replacements are a great chance for airports to minimise expenses and promote a circular economy by opting for recycled materials. Most of the time, with the right tools and methods, you can turn your old pavement into new foundation and sub-base materials.
Onsite Renewable Energy
Airports need a lot of power and fuel because of their special characteristics. In a world where primary energy consumption has increased by half, renewable energy accounts for only 11% of the world’s energy. Using various sustainable onsite renewable energies can help airports achieve their sustainability objectives while also reducing energy usage and expenses over time
Airports are great places to install solar arrays because of the enormous amount of roof space available. Airports can also harness wind energy using Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). VAWTs offer a solution to traditional horizontal turbines, mitigating air turbulence issues and requiring less land due to their vertical, streamlined blades. Additionally, geothermal energy has great potential for use in airport heating and cooling systems, which is particularly advantageous for airports with limited space.
Water Conservation and Management
The current climate crisis highlights the need for airports to maximise water usage efficiency and identify sustainable alternatives to water use since the airport industry and its operations consume substantial amounts of water. This is why many airports and airlines are implementing new eco-friendly policies that cut down on water use.
Most notably, most of the water used in airports is for non-potable reasons, such as cleaning the airport and aircraft, for industrial and sanitary purposes, and for maintaining the air fleet. Since this water is not used by humans, it becomes much simpler to develop methods to decrease its consumption, such as by implementing systems that collect rainwater or by reusing grey water.
Airports that adopt water-saving measures often see a considerable decrease in water consumption per passenger. For instance, Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) was able to reduce its water use by 24.3% from 2011 to 2016 by implementing various water conservation technologies and measures.
Airports can implement sustainable water measures by utilising:
- Low-flow fixtures
- Water reclamation
- Grey water recycling
- Geothermal cooling
- Stormwater management
- Advanced water purification
- Condensed water from air conditioners
- Creating water-wise landscapes using drought-resistant plants
Sustainable Ground Infrastructure
To reduce emissions from the aviation industry, the airside vehicle ecosystem has recently come to the foreground. Airside operations allow a diverse range of vehicles, from small luggage tugs to massive refuel bowsers, making it challenging to achieve true emission freedom and sustainability. Decarbonising the airside completely requires a solution to the problem of emissions from all of these vehicles.
On the road to airside decarbonisation and sustainability in airport infrastructures, electrification has been the go-to energy source for smaller passenger cars and ground support equipment (GSE). This power has proven particularly effective for smaller luggage tugs because of the critical need to minimise exhaust emissions in baggage handling. Due to its success, electrification has spread to other GSEs, such as belt loaders and ground power units. However, it has been more difficult to spread to bigger vehicles, like refill bowsers, ULD transporters, and wide-body pushback tractors.
Notable Examples of Sustainable Airports
Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport stands out as one of the leading sustainable airports in the U.S. and the world. It operates solar power systems to sustain its daily activities and features a robust recycling program, including single-stream recycling bins in its public areas. Additionally, the airport has installed water refilling stations beyond security checkpoints to encourage the reduction of single-use water bottles.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport achieved carbon neutrality in 2009, making it the first airport in Europe to do so. Rather than relying on power, the airport’s terminals, hangar, and airfield facilities are heated using a novel biofuel technology. The airport has also installed low-power LED lighting along with other initiatives, to reduce its energy use by about one-third.
Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport
The environmentally friendly design and infrastructure of Indira Gandhi International Airport have earned it the prestigious LEED New Construction Gold accreditation. The airport incorporates recycled materials in its construction and uses ambient light to minimise energy consumption, supported by 200 energy-efficient LCDs. Furthermore, the departure lounge is designed to maximise natural lighting throughout the day, reducing overall energy consumption.
Conclusion
Sustainability is a global trend that is sweeping across industries. Everybody from airport tenants to passengers to air carriers is counting on it. Infrastructure that is resilient and sustainable helps to save resources, reduces environmental impact, and saves money over time. Airports can serve their communities for decades to come if they actively pursue sustainability in their infrastructures.
