Green planning

Sustainable master planning can ensure that airports balance expansion plans whilst accelerating their sustainability objectives, writes Alton Aviation Consultancy’s Mabel Kwan.

Airports are vital gateways to nations, linking cities, driving trade and serving as cultural hubs for millions of travellers.

However, whilst aviation has brought about economic and social benefits, it has also increased the impact on the environment, with a 50% rise in CO2 emissions since 2000.

Alton projects the global aircraft fleet to grow from 31,200 aircraft to over 41,000 aircraft by 2035. That equates to an annual increase of 2.8%, equivalent to 2.8% per year, intensifying the environmental and social challenges on airport operations.

As key players in the aviation ecosystem, airports are uniquely positioned to lead sustainability efforts.

Situated at the intersection of airlines, governments, and communities, airports can drive collaborative initiatives to address these challenges.

Sustainable master planning has emerged as a crucial tool, enabling airports to balance growth with sustainability while meeting stakeholder expectations and building resilience for the future.

The necessity of sustainable master planning

The aviation industry faces growing pressure to decarbonise, in alignment with global sustainability goals. Both ACI and IATA are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but the path requires airports to be proactive and establish a common vision to align initiatives.

For example, Changi Airport in Singapore implemented an airport-wide energy management system aiming to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 20% by 2030.

By integrating sustainability into master planning, airports can adopt renewable energy sources, enable carbon-neutral operations, and contribute meaningfully to global climate targets.

Globally, governments and regulatory bodies are also introducing stricter regulations to tackle climate issues. For instance, the EU’s Green Deal mandates decarbonisation in all sectors, including aviation.

As part of this, airports must address community concerns such as noise pollution and local environmental impact.

Heathrow Airport’s ‘Fly Quiet and Green’ programme incentivises airlines to use quieter, cleaner aircraft through a ranking table and has led to a step change in noise levels. This demonstrates how aligning the community’s interests with sustainability objectives can create positive outcomes for multiple stakeholders.

Sustainable airports are better positioned for long-term success from increased economic resilience, benefiting from reduced operational costs, increased passenger satisfaction, and mitigated risks from climate disruptions.

In 2020, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) invested $86 million into 10 energy-saving initiatives, designed to reduce its future energy use by 54%. This better protects the airport from energy scarcity by reducing energy demand.

Sustainability improvements can extend beyond technology, as demonstrated by Baltic Ground Services Group’s eco-driving training for ground handling. This initiative reduced fuel consumption by approximately 5% by optimising transportation routes and avoiding unnecessary driving.

Planning for resource efficiency and sustainability ensures airports improve their economic resilience amid growing environmental risks.

Balancing expansion with sustainability objectives

Sustainable master planning demands a delicate balance between infrastructure expansion and environmental stewardship.

Given the long-term horizon of master plans, often spanning 20–30 years, forward-thinking strategies are crucial in future-proofing operations.

Planning for emerging technologies during this phase helps mitigate the risk of costly retrofitting in later years. For instance, accommodating the electrification of ground support equipment requires robust charging infrastructure within plans, even if the current adoption of such technology remains limited.

While technological advancements will continue to enhance operational efficiency, meaningful progress in sustainability will depend on partnerships among stakeholders. Aligning business objectives across the aviation ecosystem fosters stronger relationships and creates opportunities for significant improvements.

Achieving net zero, however, requires both internal and external stakeholder buy-in, emphasising the importance of a shared commitment to sustainability goals.

Strategies for sustainable development

There is no silver bullet to achieving sustainability goals and the aviation sector’s decarbonisation journey will likely involve a combination of strategies.

These include enhancements in operational efficiency, widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), electrification of ground operations, and the eventual deployment of hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Achieving net zero emissions will require more than a single solution, it demands a multifaceted, integrated approach. For instance, airports in the Asia-Pacific have identified five focus areas to meet their decarbonisation targets, underscoring the necessity of a portfolio-style strategy to effectively address the complexities of sustainability goals.

On fuels specifically, new technology requires infrastructure adaptations. SAF, which is compatible with existing infrastructure, offers a near-term solution while electrification and hydrogen are expected to make a step change in sustainability.

Airports like Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) are already investigating hydrogen fuelling systems to prepare for a longer-term transition.

Incorporating modularity and optionality into master plans enables airports to adapt to evolving technologies and enables a faster uptake, particularly given differing expectations and implementation path.

Hydrogen’s route to market demonstrates the need for flexibility at airports. IATA’s latest forecast indicates that 54% of the regional fleet could be hydrogen fuelled aircraft by 2050.

However, the high development and implementation cost could lead OEMs to bring hydrogen to market on narrowbody or even widebody aircraft.

Airports can also reduce the carbon footprint of expansion works through integrated design and innovative construction practices. Circular construction principles – for instance, reusing building materials – have been employed at Oslo Airport (OSL) in Norway, resulting in an estimated 35% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Similarly, digital twin technology allows designers to simulate operational performance and optimise energy efficiency before construction begins.

Brussels Airport (BRU) used digital twin technology to demonstrate the potential for the airport to reach net zero and determine the most efficient way to achieve this.

Carbon neutrality remains one of the most effective strategies for improving an airport’s sustainability but requires robust investments in renewable energy and infrastructure.

Payback periods for green technologies can often be measured in decades and high capital costs can place strain on an airport’s financials.

Airports are turning to green bonds to raise funds for capital-intensive projects. One notable example was JFK Millennium Partners’ issuance of a $1.85 billion green bond in 2024, to finance the expansion and operation of Terminal 6 at New York’s JFK International Airport.

Additionally, government grants serve as an alternative funding source for airports. In 2023, the US’s Federal Aviation Authority received $268 million in grants and allocated approximately $92 million to sustainability projects.

Integrated data systems play pivotal roles in aligning stakeholders by offering a unified platform for tracking emissions, fostering transparency, and ensuring accountability.

With standardised reporting guidelines, airports and their partners can identify areas for improvement and collaboratively implement effective solutions.

Advanced systems such as the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) further enhance this capability by providing real-time aircraft data. This data can optimise air traffic management, ground support equipment, and ground handling agent operations, contributing significantly to emission reductions and operational efficiency.

Smart resource management empowers airports to reduce their environmental footprint by optimising resource utilisation. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), for example, has implemented ‘smart, needs-driven’ technology powered by AI algorithms to regulate air conditioning systems, achieving annual CO2 emission reductions of up to 1,900 tonnes.

In some cases, airports have gone beyond conservation, generating resources that benefit local communities. Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) in India, for instance, has become water-positive through initiatives such as rainwater recharge pits and integrated waste management systems.

Looking ahead, innovative technologies like harvesting kinetic energy from aircraft takeoffs and landings are being explored, representing the next frontier in resource efficiency and sustainability.

It is important to remember that airports serve as critical social infrastructure, and their development should be community centric. Local communities are inherently affected by airport developments making their involvement important during master planning.

Partnering with local stakeholders to protect biodiversity and promote cultural heritage creates a sense of shared ownership. Inclusive planning ensures that airports remain socially sustainable, aligning with community interests.

Conclusion

In a multi-stakeholder environment, airports must lead by aligning efforts and fostering collaboration. Frameworks like the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s sustainable aviation blueprint, demonstrate how partnerships can create shared visions and direct resources effectively.

By embedding stakeholder needs into sustainable master planning, airports can address environmental imperatives, regulatory demands, and economic resilience.

Through initiatives such as integrating renewable energy and adopting community-focused practices, airports can balance growth with sustainability, driving the aviation industry toward a greener future while fulfilling their social and environmental responsibilities.