In today’s rapidly growing aviation industry, it is more important than ever to address sustainability within the aviation and aerospace sector. It is no secret about the large environmental concerns that are associated with airports – with greenhouse gases emitted by planes, and the noise pollution that affects the local ecology and ecosystems.
Thankfully, airports are responding to these increasing pressures to become more sustainable. According to a recent report from the US Federal Aviation Administration, there are three important goals relating to sustainability in airports: a reduction in environmental impact, increasing economic growth and creating social progress. These goals by the FAA means that airports need to take steps in curbing their emissions, decreasing local noise and light pollution, protect local wildlife, and lower consumption of non-renewable resources.
With these main targets in mind, different sectors of the aviation industry need to work together for a successful future in aviation. Aircraft manufacturers, airport designers, airlines, planners, engineers and architects are some of the key industries and areas that are actively working towards this change.
So what are some of the latest cutting-edge efforts that airports are implementing to curb their environmental impact?
Sweden’s Stockholm Arlanda Airport is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly airports. In 2009, it was the first European airport to become carbon neutral – and remains the only airport in the world where CO2 emissions are capped at 1990 levels. There are multiple ways that Stockholm has achieved this. Firstly, to save electricity, a unique biofuel system heats the terminals, airfield buildings and hangers. The water is collected through underground aquifers, which is connected to both air-conditioning units in summer, and biofuel-powered heating systems during cooler months. Implementing low-energy LED lights also resulted in a dramatic shift in electricity usage.
The Galapagos Ecological Airport, built in 2012, was designed to run 100% on solar and wind power. With a huge 80% of the airport, infrastructure is made from recycled and reclaimed materials – including steel taken from the oil extraction fields in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The furniture was also purchased from environmentally friendly, sustainable resources. Even more impressive, the airport includes a desalination plant, capturing and purifying seawater for use at the terminal.
The actions taken towards a more sustainable airport require commitment from all sectors of the aviation industry. However, the long-term commitments from airports can become vectors for change around the globe, and help transform the industry for the future.