In Paris and other cities in France we're having a pollution peak and reduced traffic is enforced for individual vehicles. As usual there is a big debate in the media about how regular citizens using their cars are blamed for the CO2 increase when they only represent 15% of emissions. An accusing finger is also pointed at industry, merchant navy and of course aviation.

It is said that a large portion of pollution at airports is due to ground vehicles but I don't have any figures. Is this true? What large airports have taken steps to reduce emission through electric vehicles or alternate energy production? How about reduced taxiing times?

Delhi airport has taken many steps to save environment. It's a zero discharge airport: http://www.newdelhiairport.in/environment.aspx

Some airports are moving fast in becoming 'Green'.

The American Association of Airport Executives has had an active 'Green' program for years: https://aaae.org/AAAE/AAAEMemberRespons ... aster.aspx
In November 2016 the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) won the coveted Green Award for its efforts to go green.

Other winners were:
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Sean Donohue, CEO: “The First North American Airport to Achieve ACI-ACA Carbon Neutral Certification (3+)”
• Copenhagen International Airport: “Measuring Air Quality at the Airport”
• HMS Host: “Food Donation Program”
• Hong Kong International: “Airport Carbon Measurement Program”
• Nashville International Airport & Christine Vitt, Vice President, Strategic Planning and Sustainability: “Geothermal Lake Plate Cooling”
• United Airlines: “Biofuels Program”

Honorable Mentions:
• Colorado Department of Transportation: “Statewide General Aviation Airport Sustainability Program”
• Jeffrey Daniels, Orlando International Airport: “Individual Leadership”
• Houshang Esmaili, San Francisco International Airport: “Individual Leadership”
• Flagstaff Airport: “Sustainability Plan”
• Kent State University Airport: “Sustainable Master Plan”
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport: “Deicing fluid recovery, recycling and reuse facility”
• Napa Farms Market & San Francisco International Airport: “Reusable Water Bottles”
• John Picard (John Picard & Associates): “Individual Leadership”
• Lorenzo Lo Presto, CEO, Rome International Airport: “Individual Leadership”
• G.V. Sanjay Reddy (Mumbai): “Individual Leadership”
• Rio de Janeiro International Airport: “Employee Sustainability Training Program”
• San Diego International Airport: “Air Conditioning Condensate Sustainability Program”
• Tampa International Airport: “Legacy of Environmental Actions for our Future (LEAF)”
• Vancouver International Airport: “Waste Wars”
• O’Hare International Airport: “South Air Traffic Control Tower Sustainability Initiatives”

The Conference was hosted by AMS, which has good going 'green' credentials as well:

- All AMS taxi's became electric in 2014: http://nltimes.nl/2014/10/16/schiphol-t ... ctric-cars
- All AMS buses became electric in 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hQP5Wjcgto

I think one of the forerunners of a green airport for some decades now was Munich Airport (MUC/EDDM) http://www.munich-airport.de
Green Aspects include: a water recycling plant, waste recycling, fresh water monitoring, solar energy panels on roofs, active flora & fauna management, complete recycling of de-icing fluids, biodegradable anti-ice sprays on runways and taxiways to mention but a few...
there is quite some information on its website.

Cochin Airport (COK/VOCI) is a pretty green airport in multiple ways. The entire airport runs on solar power, as well as it is located in Kerala, which is literally a rather green place

terrificturk wrote:

I think one of the forerunners of a green airport for some decades now was Munich Airport (MUC/EDDM) http://www.munich-airport.de
Green Aspects include: a water recycling plant, waste recycling, fresh water monitoring, solar energy panels on roofs, active flora & fauna management, complete recycling of de-icing fluids, biodegradable anti-ice sprays on runways and taxiways to mention but a few...
there is quite some information on its website.

I did my diploma thesis on the environmental aspects and their economic value during construction and operations on this airport. Later I had the chance to do an internship at their eco-department. Was a great time - whenever we were bored we took the car and did a private airport excursion.

ro1960 wrote:

.....How about reduced taxiing times?

Since 2014 LH is using TaxiBots in FRA to reduce CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption.

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-10-10/taxibot-ready-cut-cost-and-carbon-footprint-taxiing

factsonly wrote:

Some airports are moving fast in becoming 'Green'.

The American Association of Airport Executives has had an active 'Green' program for years: https://aaae.org/AAAE/AAAEMemberRespons ... aster.aspx
In November 2016 the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) won the coveted Green Award for its efforts to go green.

Other winners were:
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Sean Donohue, CEO: “The First North American Airport to Achieve ACI-ACA Carbon Neutral Certification (3+)”
• Copenhagen International Airport: “Measuring Air Quality at the Airport”
• HMS Host: “Food Donation Program”
• Hong Kong International: “Airport Carbon Measurement Program”
• Nashville International Airport & Christine Vitt, Vice President, Strategic Planning and Sustainability: “Geothermal Lake Plate Cooling”
• United Airlines: “Biofuels Program”

Honorable Mentions:
• Colorado Department of Transportation: “Statewide General Aviation Airport Sustainability Program”
• Jeffrey Daniels, Orlando International Airport: “Individual Leadership”
• Houshang Esmaili, San Francisco International Airport: “Individual Leadership”
• Flagstaff Airport: “Sustainability Plan”
• Kent State University Airport: “Sustainable Master Plan”
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport: “Deicing fluid recovery, recycling and reuse facility”
• Napa Farms Market & San Francisco International Airport: “Reusable Water Bottles”
• John Picard (John Picard & Associates): “Individual Leadership”
• Lorenzo Lo Presto, CEO, Rome International Airport: “Individual Leadership”
• G.V. Sanjay Reddy (Mumbai): “Individual Leadership”
• Rio de Janeiro International Airport: “Employee Sustainability Training Program”
• San Diego International Airport: “Air Conditioning Condensate Sustainability Program”
• Tampa International Airport: “Legacy of Environmental Actions for our Future (LEAF)”
• Vancouver International Airport: “Waste Wars”
• O’Hare International Airport: “South Air Traffic Control Tower Sustainability Initiatives”

The Conference was hosted by AMS, which has good going 'green' credentials as well:

- All AMS taxi's became electric in 2014: http://nltimes.nl/2014/10/16/schiphol-t ... ctric-cars
- All AMS buses became electric in 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hQP5Wjcgto

SIN didnt make the list? Is that a joke!

Changi has constantly been innovating to be environmentally-friendly including its use of natural light-
http://m.tourism-review.com/travel-tour ... rticle1193

The entire airport is filled end-to-end with indoor gardens too if that counts for anything.

infinit wrote:

SIN didnt make the list? Is that a joke!

Changi has constantly been innovating to be environmentally-friendly including its use of natural light-
http://m.tourism-review.com/travel-tour ... rticle1193

The entire airport is filled end-to-end with indoor gardens too if that counts for anything.

I had the exact same thought. What comes to mind thinking of Changi and "green" is the natural lighting system which is absolutely stunning and most of all quite efficient in terms of energy saving.

Many airports worldwide are taking measures to reduce their impact. Most airports try to reduce taxi distances, Stuttgart (STR) is moving to 100 % electrical vehicles, others are building highly efficient powerplants dedicated to the airport. I believe most western airports have some sort of environmental program.

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/12/03/msp-airport-throws-switch-on-giant-solar-farm/

MSP Airport Throws Switch On Giant Solar Farm

Manchester UK was recently accredited as being 'carbon neutral'.

DABYT wrote:

ro1960 wrote:

.....How about reduced taxiing times?

Since 2014 LH is using TaxiBots in FRA to reduce CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption.

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-10-10/taxibot-ready-cut-cost-and-carbon-footprint-taxiing

I knew about the TaxiBot. I was more interested in taxiway itinerary design. Some airports have complicated itineraries to go from gates to runways like MAD which is surprising as it is fairly recent.

Thanks for all the interesting replies.

ro1960 wrote:

As usual there is a big debate in the media about how regular citizens using their cars are blamed for the CO2 increase when they only represent 15% of emissions. An accusing finger is also pointed at industry, merchant navy and of course aviation.

Slightly off-topic, but one of the biggest polluters is the meat industry. Meat is perhaps the most pulluting food in the world.

I once heard of an airline (I don't remember which one) that decided not to include any meat in their meals anymore because of this. They only offered vegetarian meals on board. Also all snacks were vegetarian. Does anyone know what airline I'm talking about?

I have noticed that several carribean islands have made efforts to power their airports with solar power. This is likely a cost issue more than a green issue. STT one ups many of them by being partly unairconditioned...

IND has a LEED-certified terminal (the first one in the US) and several on-airport-property solar farms.

The pollution we're experiencing has nothing to do with CO2, which is not even really a pollutant in the sense that it doesn't have any direct effect.

It's particle pollution and one cause is diesel engines, another major cause is agriculture, a third big one is wood heating. Planes do emit particles but they're not a major contributor. All the activity created by an airport is sure to have an impact though, so airports should try to minimize emissions where possible.

Aesma wrote:

The pollution we're experiencing has nothing to do with CO2, which is not even really a pollutant in the sense that it doesn't have any direct effect.

Are you trying to say that CO2 is a harmless thing that has nothing to do with pollution? And how does CO2 not have any direct effect? I am confused...
Aircraft emit CO2 and NOx which are greenhouse gases causing global warming and ocean acidification. So I'd say it clearly has a direct effect on climate change.

FWAERJ wrote:

IND has a LEED-certified terminal (the first one in the US) and several on-airport-property solar farms.

I thought that was said of Boston Logan's Terminal A also.

User001 wrote:

Manchester UK was recently accredited as being 'carbon neutral'.

Same as Athens Airport. https://www.aia.gr/company-and-business/press-and-Media/press-office/press-releases/athens-international-airport-becomes-carbon-neutral

Just a quick thought, with the recent denial of global warming from a major country in the west side of the pond, how will that impact the development of 'green' airport?
I thought the incentive is there, cause the energy itself isn't free, and lower energy consumption = lower cost = lower landing and handling fees = more attractive for airlines. Any thoughts?

DABYT wrote:

Aesma wrote:

The pollution we're experiencing has nothing to do with CO2, which is not even really a pollutant in the sense that it doesn't have any direct effect.

Are you trying to say that CO2 is a harmless thing that has nothing to do with pollution? And how does CO2 not have any direct effect? I am confused...
Aircraft emit CO2 and NOx which are greenhouse gases causing global warming and ocean acidification. So I'd say it clearly has a direct effect on climate change.

Global warming is indirect (and I'm not denying it at all). CO2 isn't toxic. It is in the air you breathe, it is in the air you exhale. We could even be fine with large CO2 emissions if we could ensure as much CO2 was recaptured (massive reforestation for example).

The OP is talking about a pollution peak in France, with direct consequences on people especially those with breathing troubles, but even I clearly feel it and I'm healthy. I've had several headaches this past week, something rare for me, and the air just stinks. That's not CO2.

The distinction is important because one of the reasons France has so much diesel cars (including my brand new company car) is in part because of a goal to reduce CO2 emissions. So less CO2, more toxic pollution.

Aesma wrote:

DABYT wrote:

Aesma wrote:

The pollution we're experiencing has nothing to do with CO2, which is not even really a pollutant in the sense that it doesn't have any direct effect.

Are you trying to say that CO2 is a harmless thing that has nothing to do with pollution? And how does CO2 not have any direct effect? I am confused...
Aircraft emit CO2 and NOx which are greenhouse gases causing global warming and ocean acidification. So I'd say it clearly has a direct effect on climate change.

Global warming is indirect (and I'm not denying it at all). CO2 isn't toxic. It is in the air you breathe, it is in the air you exhale. We could even be fine with large CO2 emissions if we could ensure as much CO2 was recaptured (massive reforestation for example).

The OP is talking about a pollution peak in France, with direct consequences on people especially those with breathing troubles, but even I clearly feel it and I'm healthy. I've had several headaches this past week, something rare for me, and the air just stinks. That's not CO2.

The distinction is important because one of the reasons France has so much diesel cars (including my brand new company car) is in part because of a goal to reduce CO2 emissions. So less CO2, more toxic pollution.

I get your point but still CO2 is a pollutant gas from my point of view. It causes instability to our ecosystem in both, direct and indirect, ways. Oceans absorb CO2 directly from the atmosphere which leads to acidification of water and therefore has a very direct impact on all marine ecosystems. The indirect effect is global warming. Anyway I understand what you mean.

DABYT wrote:

Aesma wrote:

The pollution we're experiencing has nothing to do with CO2, which is not even really a pollutant in the sense that it doesn't have any direct effect.

Are you trying to say that CO2 is a harmless thing that has nothing to do with pollution? And how does CO2 not have any direct effect? I am confused...
Aircraft emit CO2 and NOx which are greenhouse gases causing global warming and ocean acidification. So I'd say it clearly has a direct effect on climate change.

I think Aesma is right and I stand corrected. The current pollution peak in France is due to small particles from diesel engines mainly and some wood heating. CO2 is responsible for temperature rise. So slightly two different problems that can however be addressed though the same "green" policy.

Well if Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson had his way even aircraft would be outlawed at YVR!