Technology: Enabling change

Cutting edge technologies will help airports lead the industry to net zero, writes Olivier Vidal.

The aviation industry is a contributor to greenhouse gases, responsible for 2% of global carbon emissions. While attention has been on reducing the impact of airplanes and increasing fuel efficiency, airports add to that carbon footprint.

This offers opportunities for the aviation industry to make reductions. With the Federal Aviation Administration and International Civil Aviation Organization setting goals for airports to reach net zero by 2050, it’s a focus for many.

The pursuit of carbon neutrality isn’t without challenges. Airports are some of the world’s busiest buildings. Terminals are open all day, every day, hosting 6.6 billion global travellers annually and employing more than 11 million workers.

Image courtesy of Oleg Gapeenko Vecteezy.

Many airports’ average energy use is twice that of regional office buildings, which can be attributed to immense lighting, HVAC, equipment, and vehicle needs. These energy demands only grow as airports expand to accommodate more airlines and passengers.

Technology can make quick gains in energy efficiency

Leveraging technology can provide the precision needed for streamlined energy management. The first step is to measure how much energy is consumed. By outfitting a space with sensors that gather the desired data — in this case, energy input and output — airport teams have a bird’s eye view of how an entire terminal and other buildings use power.

The ability to analyse the data captured by sensors set across hundreds of thousands of square feet is unmatched by manual measurement or analytical methods.

With access to real-time data and predictive AI algorithms within the model, airports can understand how energy usage fluctuates over time — at different points of the day, between the seasons, or across peak travel times. This helps airports identify what changes can be made and anticipate peak emission outputs.

Tech adoption can support long-term sustainability goals

Technology plays a major role for airports planning to pursue other pathways for green operations. San Diego International Airport, for example, was the first airport in the US to install battery storage in 2019. The combination of energy storage and clean energy has now saved it more than $100,000 annually.

Vehicles are another major source of emissions for airport operations, and greener fuel options or electric fleets can help. San Diego International Airport also recently announced it was investing in renewable diesel for its diesel-powered airside vehicles and equipment, reducing emissions by as much as 75% compared to petroleum diesel.

While Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) also transitioned multiple fleets to electric vehicles. At least 20% of its light sedans will be electric by the end of 2023 (100% by 2031), and its airports will achieve the same for its bus fleets. These adoptions will offset more than 308 metric tons of emissions annually.

Many airports face financial barriers in the short-term – but this is another domain where technology can help. Initial investments in tech, such as automated energy monitoring or emissions tracking, reduce labour costs and free up time for employees who manually complete these tasks to discover even more cost-effective ways to reduce emissions.

These cost savings can be applied to new projects. When an airport installs more infrastructure like renewable energy and vehicles, these investments help optimise operations, ensuring that the facilities are as efficient as possible and add momentum to energy and cost savings.

Technology advances are bringing net zero into view

Airports play a valuable role in reducing aviation’s environmental impact, and integrating technology can make carbon neutrality possible.

By leveraging real-time data and automation, airport operators receive insights into building performance. These investments into airport energy efficiency set the stage for lower costs, greener operations, and a healthier future.

About the author
Olivier Vidal  is the senior director for enterprise sales at Atrius Acuity Brands.