How Airports Can Go Green?

Hello everyone!

Industries around the world are adopting environmentally friendly practices to mitigate the effects of climate change, and the aviation industry is one of them. In the second article of my newsletter, I looked at how we can make changes to the airplanes used in the aviation industry to reduce their impact on climate change. In this article, I will discuss how we can make airports greener to reduce the negative impacts of climate change.

Have a good read!

Green airports combine architectural, technological and ecological practices that are environmentally sensitive and aim to reduce the negative impacts of climate change without over-exploiting natural resources. They also offer innovative solutions to issues such as noise pollution, resource management and community well-being. While airplanes are one of the main causes of emissions in the aviation sector, ground operations at airports are also responsible for a significant portion of the environmental impact.

So how airports can go green?

• Adoption of Renewable Energy: Dependence on fossil fuels should be reduced and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power should be adopted.
• Efficient Waste Management Systems: Advanced waste management systems should be prioritized so that waste is recycled and composted instead of going to landfills. These systems contribute to the circular economy by preventing waste of resources.
• Green Space Integration: With green space integration, natural elements such as parks, gardens and greenery should be incorporated into airport facilities to increase biodiversity, improve air quality and create a more pleasant environment for passengers and employees.
• Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure: A focus on eco-friendly infrastructure design, energy-efficient buildings, sustainable materials and green construction practices are essential for green airports. Such infrastructure not only reduces carbon emissions, but also saves energy and reduces costs.

While creating green airports is a goal that everyone supports, there are many challenges to implementing such large-scale practices. Airports are significant energy consumers, balancing the demand for energy-intensive operations with the need to reduce emissions is a key challenge to creating green airports. In addition, implementing green practices and infrastructure improvements often requires significant financial investment, which can strain airport budgets and resources. Despite these challenges, green airports will play an important role in the sustainable transportation of the future.

Examples of green airports around the world

• Galápagos Ecological Airport, Ecuador: This airport, renamed Seymour Airport in 2012, is considered the world's first "green" airport. Its terminal, spanning 6,000 sq. ft, was built from recycled materials obtained from the mainland. It is powered entirely by solar and wind energy, boasting a minimal carbon footprint.
• Singapore Changi Airport: Singapore Changi Airport is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Jewel Changi Airport, featuring a rainforest dome and cascading waterfall, utilizes rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient glass to minimize solar heat gain.

• Boston Logan International Airport, ABD: Boston Logan claims the distinct honor of being the first airport in the U.S. to have a LEED-certified terminal. The airport is powered partially by solar energy, and a vast rooftop garden absorbs heat and improves insulation, reducing the need for artificial cooling and heating.
• Denver International Airport, USA: Denver International Airport is another excellent example of an eco-friendly airport. It is equipped with solar power systems that generate more than 6 MW of solar power per annum, meeting a notable percentage of the airport's electricity demands.

In conclusion, all things considered, the future of green airports is full of exciting possibilities. Green airports are not just a buzzword but a necessity for the aviation industry to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By tackling challenges, embracing innovative technologies and innovation, we can make airports greener and move towards a sustainable future.Hope to see you in another Questions for Tomorrow.

I hope this article was useful for you. Don’t forget to follow my LinkedIn Newsletter for more.