Progressive airports across the country are becoming more environmentally-friendly and are starting the trend of airports going green. They can make a big impact by reducing their carbon footprint, improving their waste management, and recycling.
Here are a few ways that airports are going green:
- Vegetated Green Roofs – FedEx Express has a 175,000-square-foot green roof vegetated green roof at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. The green roof helps to cool the building in the summer, and keep it warm in the winter. It will also help to reduce energy costs by up to 35% a year.
- Wind Turbines – The Boston Airport installed 20 wind turbines to help offset the building’s energy needs.
- Solar Energy – Both Denver International and Fresno Yosemite Airports recently installed solar panels in with the goal of saving money on their electricity bills.
Recycling and Waste Management – Many airports have implemented successful recycling and waste management programs using trash compactors and balers onsite including the Atlanta Airport. With one SmartPack automatic trash compactor at each gate in four of the terminals, the units wirelessly signal the maintenance department when they are full, saving the airport a significant cost in labor.- Other green efforts that are standard environmental practices in many airports include glass walls for more natural light, electrical connections at aircraft gates, using more efficient lower-wattage bulbs, recycled building materials, and energy and water use reduction.
Thank you to all who visited us at the Spring 2012 AAAE (American Association of Airport Executives) Conference and Exposition in Phoenix, Arizona to learn more about how Harmony Enterprises can help your airport with their waste management and recycling goals.
What other green initiatives have you seen while traveling between Airports? If you work in an Airport, what innovative eco-friendly plans are in place?
