Airports have always had to comply with certain environmental regulations arising out of their operations, as local governments require impact studies on new construction projects and soundproofing nearby homes. Landings and takeoffs, as well as the diesel shuttles that circle the terminal roads, leave thousands of tons of toxic emissions in a compact area of the city. And for years, many airports have been slow to adopt measures that go beyond the minimum requirements.
U.S. airlines emitted about 418 billion pounds of carbon dioxide in 2007, according to the Air Transport Association, the airline industry trade group.
Airports have been spending hundreds of millions in terminal facilities that are esthetically pleasing but are not configured to conserve energy. Because of the perilous situation in airlines, airports call for quick return on investment funds. Occasionally the return on investment on these (environmental) projects is not adequate enough for the airport.
However, similar to many other industries, airports are fast adopting the green zeitgeist,
led partly by better social consciousness and ameliorating engineering science, and made
more pressing by ascending fuel costs.
This report covers the various concepts employed by airports in today’s age to go “green.” The report takes a look at this new trend through case studies.
View Table of ContentsPages: 83
Publication Date: September 2009
Publisher: Energy Business Reports
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