"Taking Flight towards a Greener Future: How Adelaide Airport Leads the Way in Sustainable Business Practices with Biofuels"
"Taking Flight towards a Greener Future: How Adelaide Airport Leads the Way in Sustainable Business Practices with Biofuels"
"Exploring the Intersection of Business and Society through Environmental Sustainability: An Analysis of Adelaide Airport Limited's (AAL) Utilisation of Biofuels. (Originally published in 2013, updated for relevancy.)"
By: Tarnia Riggs
Introduction:
This article explores the sustainability practices of Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL), with a focus on their triple bottom line approach towards social, economic, and environmental impacts. AAL recognises that air transport has a significant impact on the environment and society, and therefore implements various sustainable strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Adelaide Airport Limited According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global aviation industry transported 4.5 billion passengers in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the industry. However, it is important to note that while air travel can provide benefits such as increased connectivity and access to goods and services, it also has negative impacts on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. In terms of economic impact, the aviation industry contributed $2.7 trillion to global GDP and supported 65.5 million jobs worldwide in 2019, according to IATA. However, again, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the industry, resulting in job losses and financial struggles for many airlines.
Overall, while the aviation industry does have a significant impact on the global economy and provides benefits such as increased connectivity, it is also important to consider the negative environmental impacts associated with air travel.AAL's commitment to sustainable practices includes the use of biofuels, working with environmental programs, and employing sustainable strategies. Biofuels are organic and help reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to the environment. AAL works closely with various organisations such as ZeroWaste Initiative and Friends of Patawalonga Creek to promote aviation environmental projects. They collaborate with CarbonPlanet and conduct research with the International Civil Aviation Organization . AAL is also part of the Australian airport initiatives that work towards reducing the carbon footprint. By employing ground transport plans and carbon footprint reporting, AAL aims to minimise the impact of people and freight movement to the airport. They also work with other Australian airports on national greenhouse and energy reporting. AAL's sustainability statement emphasises their commitment to managing and developing Adelaide and Parafield airports sustainably.
Aviation plays a vital role in social justice, providing a rapid worldwide transportation network, tourism, and facilitating world trade. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry supported 87.7 million jobs and contributed $3.5 trillion to global GDP in 2019, which is approximately 4.1% of the world's total GDP. The industry is also an important facilitator of trade, with around 35% of the value of world trade carried by air. However, it is important to note that the benefits of aviation are not evenly distributed, and access to air travel is often limited to wealthier individuals and regions. In addition, the industry has a significant impact on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. The aviation industry is responsibly reducing its environmental impact, while the industry has made some progress in reducing emissions through the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels, there is still a long way to go to achieve net-zero emissions. The industry is also exploring other initiatives, such as carbon offsetting and emissions trading schemes, to further reduce its impact on the environment. Aviation opens doors to hospitality and tourism, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Tourism is a significant contributor to many economies, and air travel plays a crucial role in facilitating tourism by providing access to different destinations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the aviation and tourism industries, resulting in job losses and financial struggles for many businesses. Overall, while the aviation industry does have important economic benefits and plays a role in facilitating global trade and travel, it is important to also consider its impact on the environment and the need for sustainable practices to ensure its long-term viability.
The use of biofuels, sustainable strategies, and working with environmental programs are the key initiatives that promote environmental quality. Biofuels, made from plant sources such as corn, soybeans, algae, jatropha, halophytes, and camelina, can be directly burned or converted into high-quality jet and diesel fuels. These fuels have fewer impurities such as sulfur, resulting in even fewer sulfur dioxide and soot emissions. Moreover, biomass thrives on carbon dioxide, making it an ideal solution for removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
AL employs various sustainable strategies to manage environmental risks, reduce hazardous wastes, manage waste, and form partnerships through certification programs. AAL's focus areas for sustainability include waste fill importation guidelines, environmental site assessment guidelines, tenant environmental management plan guidelines, Adelaide Airport landscape guidelines, fuel management guidelines, aircraft washing guidelines, wildlife risk management zone guidelines, and guidelines for spray painting activities. Additionally, AAL has implemented greener airport initiatives, a solar display, recycled water, safety and bird management, stormwater management, and Patawalonga Creek Conservation Zone. The installation of 760 solar panels on the roof of Terminal 1 generates 160 megawatt-hours of electricity per year, equivalent to powering 30 average Australian homes.
Triple Bottom Line:
The triple bottom line approach considers the social, economic, and environmental impacts of business practices. Air transport provides the only rapid worldwide transportation network, is indispensable for tourism, and facilitates world trade. The industry generates a total of 32 million jobs globally, contributing to $3,560 billion in the global economy (Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders, 2023). AAL recognises the importance of aviation and manages its operations in a sustainable manner.
Economic Dimension
The economic dimension of the TBL framework considers the financial performance of an organization, including its profitability and economic growth (Elkington, 1998). However, it also emphasizes the importance of sustainable economic practices, such as fair trade, responsible investment, and ethical business practices (Moon, 2002). By integrating sustainable economic practices into their operations, organizations can create long-term value for stakeholders and contribute to economic development.
Environmental Dimension
The environmental dimension of the TBL framework focuses on the impact of an organization's activities on the natural environment, including air, water, land, and biodiversity (Elkington, 1998). This dimension requires organizations to adopt sustainable environmental practices, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and promoting renewable energy (Grayson & Hodges, 2004). By addressing environmental issues, organizations can reduce their ecological footprint, enhance their reputation, and contribute to environmental sustainability. AAL implements sustainable strategies to reduce its environmental impact, such as the use of biofuels, working with environmental programs, and installing solar panels. Biofuels are organic and have the benefit of removing CO2 from the atmosphere. AAL works with organisations such as Zero Waste and Friends of Patawalonga Creek to manage environmental issues (Air Transport Action Group ATAG, 2009). AAL has installed 760 solar panels on the roof of its Terminal 1, generating approximately 160 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year (Infrastructure.gov.au, 2023).
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Social Dimension
The social dimension of the TBL framework involves assessing the impact of an organization's activities on stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community. This dimension requires organizations to consider the social issues that may arise from their operations, such as labor practices, human rights, and community development (Carroll & Shabana, 2010). By addressing social issues, organisations can build strong relationships with stakeholders, enhance their reputation, and contribute to social welfare.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, AAL's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its sustainable strategies and initiatives towards reducing its environmental impact. AAL recognises its role in society and actively contributes to sustainable initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to the triple bottom line approach.
The use of biofuels in aviation has seen significant improvements and benefits over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, there have been numerous studies and developments in biofuels that have led to increased production efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. For instance, the use of biofuels in airplanes has been found to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuels (Hunt et al., 2021). Additionally, airlines and airports have been investing in sustainable aviation fuel production facilities, such as the one built by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in 2019 (KLM, 2019).
Moreover, governments have been implementing policies and initiatives to promote the use of biofuels in aviation, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program in the United States (EPA, 2021). These policies have led to increased demand for biofuels, which in turn has spurred investment in research and development. As a result, the cost of biofuels has decreased over the years, making them more competitive with traditional jet fuels (IATA, 2021).
Despite these advancements, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as the availability of feedstock and the scalability of production. Nonetheless, the progress made in biofuels over the past decade is a promising indication of their potential to transform the aviation industry into a more sustainable and environmentally friendly sector.
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