Green Sustainable Airports (GSA) - Green and eco-efficient airport operations

Unfortunately, every day airport operations entail considerable impacts on the environment. The Ground Power Units (GPUs) for example, are responsible for noise and CO2 emissions, while runway lighting requires an enormous energy use. Same with the Auxiliary Power Units (APU’s) employed for the heating and cooling of aircraft on the ground. Their use goes along with greenhouse gas-, fine dust- and noise emissions, contributing to global warming and nuisance of the proximity.

In order to design a more sustainable and environmental friendly future of airport operations, the GSA partnership will develop a joint strategy, toolkit and model on eco-efficient airport operations. At Groningen Airport, biodiesel powered GPUs will be jointly developed and tested, while Southend Airport will be working towards a certification of energy-efficient LED runway lighting. Further, Billund Airport will develop and implement specific components, radiators and compressors for green aircraft heating and cooling through green energy supply and geothermal cooling.