The aviation sector is strongly looking for solutions to decrease its carbon footprint at their respective airports as growing worries about climate change and environmental sustainability.
Even though aviation is notorious for being a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, it has made tremendous progress toward sustainability in recent years.
Sustainable aviation is being spearheaded by green airports that have adopted environmentally friendly technologies and procedures.
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The 5 greenest airports in the world
In this article, we will explore five of the world’s greenest airports, which have become shining examples of environmental stewardship.
1. Changi airport, Singapore
One of the best airports in the world, Changi Airport in Singapore also leads the way in environmentally friendly practices. The airport has taken many measures to reduce its negative effects on the natural world.
Terminal 2’s green roof helps insulate the building and cut down on HVAC needs. Landscapes can benefit from rainwater harvesting systems. Which gather water for use in gardening, and from sophisticated waste management facilities, which guarantee efficient recycling and trash reduction.
By enhancing natural lighting and ventilation, Changi Airport uses less energy and is more in line with sustainable design principles.
2. Denver International airport
The Denver International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the world and has the largest solar power farm of any commercial airport in the United States. There are four massive solar arrays on-site, producing enough energy to supply 2,500 houses with electricity. Denver receives an average of 3,100 hours of sunshine every year. Thus making the city an excellent example of how to convert natural resources into sustainable power.
Denver has gained a great reputation for sustainability because of its other environmental management actions. More than 2,100 tons of MSW (Municipal solid waste) were diverted from landfills in 2015. And an additional 200 tons of organic waste were composted per year. Water refill facilities are conveniently located throughout the terminals for the convenience of passengers.
3. Zurich airports (ZRH)
When it comes to environmental responsibility, Switzerland’s Zurich Airport has long led the way in Europe. The airport has a long-term objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. And to that end it has undertaken a number of programs to cut down on pollution and increase efficiency.
The energy needs of Zurich Airport are met mostly by the utilisation of renewable energy sources like solar and hydroelectric electricity. The airport has made significant investments in cutting-edge infrastructure like a geothermal energy plant. And. it has a waste heat recovery system to cut down on energy use and carbon emissions.
In addition to encouraging passengers and employees to use public transportation, Zurich Airport has installed charging stations for electric vehicles.
4. Boston logan international airport
Logan International Airport, located in the heart of Boston, has made great efforts toward becoming an environmental leader in the aviation sector. The terminal has been recognized as the first of its kind to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. Since winning the award in 2006, Boston Logan has become a benchmark of excellence in the industry.
In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the airport has installed solar panels covering more than twenty acres of rooftops and parking facilities. One of the airport’s runways was recently repaved with eco-friendly asphalt, costing the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) $6.3 million. In contrast to traditional building materials, this new one requires far lower heating temperatures. Massport predicted a 2,000-ton decrease in carbon emissions as a result of this.
Additionally, water-efficient fixtures have been installed and extensive waste management and recycling programs have been implemented at Logan Airport. Electric vehicle charging stations and new electric ground support equipment show the airport’s dedication to electric vehicles and its goal of decreasing emissions and noise pollution.
5. Galapagos Ecological Airport
The Galapagos Ecological Airport, situated in one of the world’s most ecologically significant places, is a model of environmentally responsible air travel. It was the first airport in the world to be certified as “Ecological” and received the highest LEED rating possible from the United States Green Building Council.
Airport Carbon Accreditation helped it achieve the distinction of “Carbon Neutral”. Thus making it the first of its kind in the Caribbean and Latin America. The new airport, which was constructed as a replacement for the old one, was created with the native flora and animals of the Galapagos in mind.
The architecture of the airport makes use of eco-friendly materials and methods of construction to do as little damage as possible to the local ecosystem.
The adoption of energy efficient lighting systems, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting have all contributed to a decrease in overall energy use.
In order to safeguard the pristine ecosystem and preserve biodiversity for future generations, the Galapagos Ecological Airport has developed strict waste management procedures. Thus including recycling programs and the elimination of single-use plastics.
A way for more green airports in aviation
Airports play a significant role in reducing the negative effects of air travel on the environment. Which is increasingly important as the world progresses toward a greener future. These five airports are the gold standard when it comes to environmentally friendly airports operations.
These airports set the standard for the sector by their dedication to renewable energy, water conservation, trash management, and environmentally friendly transportation.
By putting environmental responsibility first, they show that air travel and green practices can coexist, opening the door to a greener aviation industry.
Read also: Air travel of the future, the new trends of the aviation industry
