Creating greater airport facility efficiencies through sustainability

How airports are incorporating sustainability and mitigating environmental impacts through strategic planning and innovative technologies 

As airports expand to meet growing air travel demand, the need for sustainable facilities continues to increase. To address this, airports are incorporating sustainability into the design, construction and operation of facilities to reduce carbon footprints and address evolving risks around weather-related events, while also enhancing operational efficiency and meeting rising expectations from environmentally conscious travelers. Because sustainable infrastructure requires less maintenance and less energy, the industry is realizing cost savings for the long term.

To reach sustainability goals, airports are incorporating everything from energy conservation and carbon mitigation strategies to evaluations on how climate and weather-related event variability will continue to affect the health and well-being of nearby communities.

Sustainability in practice

Sustainable airport facilities are achieved through comprehensive programs that seek to improve energy efficiency, mitigate waste and reduce emissions. Through proactive planning and leveraging innovative technologies, the industry is driving toward a more sustainable future.

Energy efficiency

By developing on-site renewable energy sources and managing energy more effectively, airports are working to significantly reduce their reliance on external fuel supplies. For example, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is installing 55 megawatts of solar power across its campus to generate clean energy and cut down on overall energy consumption. Additionally, battery energy storage systems are being considered to capture and store excess energy from renewable sources for future use.

Implementing energy-efficient infrastructure, such as LED lighting, further limits energy usage. Upgrading and retrofitting existing building components, including lighting and HVAC systems, also is an area where airports are making a considerably positive impact. Since 2015, Denver International Airport has saved 7.9 million kilowatt hours per year by adopting energy-efficient lighting technologies.

Waste reduction

Comprehensive waste reduction strategies, including recycling programs, composting and initiatives to minimize single-use plastics, are critical for airports aiming to minimize climate impacts. SFO achieved a 60% waste diversion rate through its aggressive recycling and composting programs, significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. A thorough analysis of all resources that travel through a terminal and where they end up, is an important step in managing waste reduction.

Carbon emission reduction

By converting ground transportation fleets to all-electric and developing campus-wide electric vehicle charging infrastructure, airports are reducing emissions and improving the environment for people in nearby communities. For example, SFO converted buses that carry passengers to long-term parking from diesel to electric, moving the airport closer to its zero-carbon goal. Leveraging electric energy sources, when coupled with intentional partnerships with vendors and consultants that share a commitment to sustainability, can measurably reduce emissions in a terminal.

Maximizing value

Airports are finding ways to maximize the value of their sustainability priorities, not only by incorporating innovative practices, but also through a focus on proactive planning to ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of their decision-making process.

Incorporating sustainability at the outset

Early and consistent integration of sustainability practices ensures that they become a core component of the project. This proactive approach allows for the seamless incorporation of sustainable measures, resulting in more meaningful and cost-effective outcomes. For example, airports are implementing measures that support sustainability experts engaging with all other divisions in the airport, so all design, construction and operational decisions are made with a sustainability emphasis.

Considering lifecycle costs

Upfront costs for sustainability and resiliency features may be higher, but over time, the total organizational costs can be much lower. Proactively developing an analysis of the long-term cost-savings at the outset of the project is crucial for obtaining buy-in from airport leadership, the public and local policymakers. By demonstrating the long-term financial benefits and cost savings associated with sustainable technologies, aviation facilities can build a compelling case for investment.

Collecting data

Continuous data collection set against baseline figures allow airports to adjust goals or techniques as necessary and report back to airport leadership and policymakers on progress toward fulfilling commitments. This process also can help airports identify projects and facilities that lead to the highest emissions, driving future strategies for mitigation. Ratings systems, such as Envision or LEED provide important guidance on sustainability metrics and how airports can meet them.

Advancements in technology

The future of sustainability at airports will continue to evolve as new and innovative technologies become available. Airports are increasingly investing in microgrids, or localized power grids, to reduce transmission loss, enhance energy management systems and provide backup power during outages, ensuring continuous operation of critical airport functions.

Innovative water management practices, such as the use of recycled water for non-potable applications, are becoming more prevalent. Airports are implementing the use of treated wastewater for cooling towers and restroom facilities, significantly reducing potable water consumption and saving millions of gallons of water annually.

As the aviation industry moves toward electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, airports are developing the necessary infrastructure to support these innovations. This includes installing charging stations and upgrading facilities to accommodate new energy sources, thereby supporting the growing fleet of electric ground support equipment and preparing for future advancements in aircraft technology.

A changing landscape

The aviation industry is making remarkable progress in sustainability, driven by innovative programs, advanced technologies and a commitment to environmental stewardship. These programs are improving operational efficiency, while mitigating emissions and improving the environment for nearby communities. Through proactive planning and an openness to new technologies, we can continue to drive airport infrastructure toward ambitious sustainability goals.