Sustainable Energy Options for the Future Airport Metropolis

Abstract

Abstract: - The general scientific opinion on climate change is that most of the global warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities [1]. The aviation industry is one such activity and is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions [2]. Recently the industry has experienced unprecedented growth both on the airside (in terms of increased aircraft movements) and on the landside (in terms of the development of large Airport Metropolises). Current aircraft design has seemingly reached a point of diminishing returns with regard to improving the energy efficiency of jet engines (at least in the short-term) [3]. Consequently one of the main strategies for mitigating global warming within the aviation industry is to reduce the amount of energy use on the landside (i.e. at airport facilities). To achieve this goal, more sustainable energy use practices must be employed. This paper presents a variety of sustainable energy options that are suitable for airport facilities. The significance of this research is that it will assist airport operators to make sustainable energy decisions concerning the future development of their airport.