Aircraft themselves are only one part (albeit an important one) of the aviation industry. They are not the only component of the process of air travel - to get on a plane, we first need to check in, maybe take a selfie, or post and upload a photo at the airport!
Schrenk et al. (2009) have commented on the fact that aviation related, eco friendly developments have been focused on the technological improvement of aircraft themselves, and not on places like airports, which contribute a significant amount of pollution. In the last couple of posts for example, I have looked at how new materials, new types of fuel and more efficient aircraft shapes have been developed, and are actually being tested on or used on civilian flights.
As well as having the same kinds of environmental impacts conventional buildings have, airports contribute significantly more in the categories of noise, air quality, surface water and soil quality, and habitat and wildlife management (Airports Council International, 2008). There are no quick fixes to such long standing environmental issues as these, and as with the development of more sustainable aircraft, we aren't going to see ultra, eco friendly, better than carbon zero airports anytime soon. In a paper released in October last year Sahrir et al. (2014), commented how an upgrade to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, broke many "safe" limits including in particulate matter and noise, and the writers called for better economic and social objectives to be defined in accordance to environmental limits in order to protect critical natural resources. With many airports upgrading and expanding, vying to become global hubs and many more airports being planned to be built, even if good technology is going into the airport and it will be a degree more sustainable, thought still needs to go in the construction.
Thank goodness Chicago's O'Hare airport got the memo. This article from The New Economy writes of how since 2003, "sustainability has underpinned every single aspect of running the operations at O’Hare", however they also note that "only the most green-minded passengers will see the evidence". I don't dispute that they are environmentally conscious in what they do, however what with a lot of effort going into designing the aircraft of the future in terms of the materials, technology, fuel and passenger experience all being considered, should the same drastic changes be expected of airports?
This article from CNN shows that the airports of the future may be following suit! It even shows how established airports can still being at the forefront of environemntal sustainability - Heathrow's newly re-opened Terminal 2 has been recognised for its sustainability. Chicago's O'Hare is even stepping up its game too by allowing goats, sheep, llamas and burros to graze on land around the airport - thats something even the least most green-minded person will be able to see!
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| Mexico City has got the idea! Source, CNN |
Hey Haymish, great post! What has Chicago's O'Hare implemented to become more sustainable?
ReplyDeleteI know O'Hare uses goats, sheep and llamas to graze the land that is too difficult for lawn mowers to reach on the airport grounds! I think O'Hare also boats the world's largest airport beehive!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting stuff Haymish! You make such a good point about all the focus being on improving planes when its still important to improve the eco-friendliness of the airports! Especially when you think about the shuttle buses that airports provide etc. Do you think attention should be more balanced between the actual planes and airports? Or do you think the planes are still the main issue?
ReplyDeleteI think planes are the main issue because of their effects on the atmosphere. There doesn't seem to be a patch of planet, land, sea or air that we can't destroy! Saying that airports are unique places, they're not the average building and I do think there should be greater responsibility to improve their overall sustainability. A lot of new airports are being built with this in mind and with newer, greener and better technology and materials, however upgrading exiting facilities presents logistical challenges and it is expensive. I think focusing on aircraft has a trickle-down effect in that airports are upgrading and improving to meet the needs of new aircraft.
DeleteTo Sarah and Charlie - http://www.flychicago.com/OHARE/EN/ABOUTUS/SUSTAINABILITY/default.aspx
ReplyDeletethis has detailed descriptions of sustainability measures at O'Hare which includes the animal grazing, which I wrote about, a wetland restoration project, the reuse of soil in their modernisation project, the Chicago Department of Aviation using alternative fuelled vehicles, vegetated roofs, and my favourite - an aeroponic garden exhibition (growing plants without soil) I know what I'm asking Santa for Christmas! There are also many more! Never knew it was quite the trailblazer!!