Decarbonising Aviation: Green Airports Powering our Flight to a Sustainable Future
Decarbonising Aviation: Green Airports Powering our Flight to a Sustainable Future
Introduction: Driving Decarbonisation and Growth in Air Travel
The recent resurgence of air travel following the global health crisis underscores the need to accelerate the decarbonisation of air transport. Despite the sector’s pandemic-related decline, global air traffic is recovering rapidly. The forecast for this year is approximately 3% higher than 2019 levels and is expected to double by 2040. Decarbonisation is not only a legal requirement, but also a vital aspect of the sustainability of airports’ expansion strategies.
Specialising in the integration of facility management services, energy-efficient solutions and digital innovation across all industry sectors, Equans not only facilitates the transformation of airports into smart, low-carbon hubs, but also contributes to the overarching goal of sustainable global transport infrastructure.
Supporting the Three Transitions across the Transport Sector
Critical to the movement of people and goods, airports play a crucial role in modern transportation, showcasing unparalleled human ingenuity in connecting the world. However, in this era of urgent environmental and technological changes, these complex hubs must undergo an industrial, energy, and digital transition to adapt to the world’s 'net zero by 2050' trajectories.
With 60+ experience and a portfolio that serves 150 airports across 70 different countries, Equans is committed to supporting airports in their triple transition and meeting a three-fold challenge: to pursue ambitious decarbonisation targets while expanding their infrastructure and managing increasing traffic volumes.
Equans’ involvement in these three transitions spans the entire transport sector. This includes developing public transport connectivity, electrifying rail and road transport, installing charging stations for electric cars, using hydrogen propulsion for maritime transport and securing airport tarmacs with continuous wave radars. In addition, the implementation of smart infrastructure systems aims to develop efficient and future-proof transport networks that seamlessly integrate into a sustainable urban environment.
The Industrial Transition: Elevating Airport Infrastructure
At the centre of airports’ industrial transition is the improvement of airport operations through state-of-the-art technical services and solutions. With a deep-rooted facility management expertise and multi-technical approach, Equans plays a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of airport buildings and infrastructure.
Equans provides comprehensive solutions for airport operations, including terminals, airspace, perimeter, and airside environment, focusing on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) models.
We leverage our extensive expertise in HVAC maintenance, advanced heating and air conditioning systems, fire protection, airport lighting and comprehensive technical solutions to improve the smooth and agile operation of airports. Our IT systems comprise baggage tracking, flight information display systems, data processing, and a bin return system used in carry-on baggage screening.
Our collaboration with Adelaide Airport in Australia, which dates back to 2007, is a prime example of integrating advanced systems and providing specialised maintenance to ensure flexible operation of these critical infrastructures. During the 2020 global lockdown, the operation and maintenance of HVAC systems were reduced in line with the airport's decreased operations and occupancy. Once the crisis was over, activity was ramped up to quickly increase service levels to meet changing customer demand. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate operational needs but also anticipates unforeseen challenges. It ensures that airports remain resilient and adaptable to even the most dramatic changes in context.
Equans’ participation in the global ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) certification process not only demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of integrating green technologies into airport operations, but also sets a benchmark for other airports worldwide.
Energy Transition: the Importance of Green Airports
The concept of green airports is gaining momentum as many facilities take steps to become more energy efficient and integrate renewable energy sources. Adelaide Airport and Brussels’ South Charleroi Airport are part of a broader strategy to utilise land reserves and space for green power production and support airports in achieving their transition targets.
Santiago de Chile Airport, in partnership with Equans, has launched an environmental sustainability initiative aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. This will be achieved by installing solar panels on the roof and electric vehicle charging stations.
The solar installation has a capacity of 826 kWp and is expected to save around 482 tonnes of CO2 per year, significantly reducing the airport's dependence on non-renewable energy sources. In addition, the solar panels are expected to generate 1.25 GWh of electricity per year. This electricity will be used to power the airport, underlining the economic benefits of promoting green energy in the aviation sector.
Digital Transition: Smart Airports Transforming the Travel Experience
The digital transformation of airports means integrating cutting-edge technologies to optimise operations, enhance the passenger experience and seamlessly manage increasing traffic demands. Equans' Airport Systems department and Ineo Systrans subsidiary are playing a key role in this transformation, deploying innovative IT solutions at fifty airports across the world.
Equans' Airport Systems division specialises in the management of passenger and baggage flows, using IT solutions that not only improve efficiency but also introduce innovations such as cloud-based real-time baggage handling control, helping to reduce the carbon footprint. Digital tools such as BIM and digital twins optimise space utilisation and streamline security operations. Equans' comprehensive air navigation solutions, including navigation aids and telecommunications networks, underline the role of technology in improving operational efficiency and sustainability across the aviation industry.
At Canada's YUL Airport, Equans spearheaded a transformative digital overhaul with the launch of Air’NG, a cloud-based data analytics platform at the heart of the airport's smart technology initiatives. This innovative system enables 24/7 management of the baggage handling system (BHS) for 40 airlines and utilises the power of secure cloud technology to enhance data analytics. Air’NG facilitates the rapid identification and resolution of operational issues through the use of advanced interactive information visualisation tools. This has significantly accelerated process monitoring and improved data analytics, ensuring a more efficient, reliable and responsive baggage handling service. This digital transformation has significantly increased operational efficiency at YUL and set a new standard for smart airport technology.
Since 1997, Equans has been a key partner in the digital transformation of JFK Airport in the USA, with a particular focus on improving passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The partnership includes the installation and commissioning of a range of digital technologies, including CCTV systems, digital signage and check-in kiosks, as well as the maintenance of critical systems and low-voltage network cabling. A significant advance in their collaboration is the deployment of sophisticated passenger flow management systems designed to streamline the movement of travellers throughout the airport. Equans' R&D centre is currently exploring the potential of LiDar technology to further innovate and improve the flow and safety of passenger traffic, paving the way for the next stage of digital transformation at JFK Airport.
Such technologies pave the way for smart airports that integrate automation, biometric solutions, artificial intelligence and virtualised processes, setting new standards for efficiency, security and passenger comfort.
Equans’ Step-by-Step Guide for Charting the Course to Net Zero
The path to sustainability is not only in line with global environmental goals, but also positions airports – long considered to be lagging behind – as leaders in the transition to a more sustainable future and sets a precedent for other airports to follow.
Before embarking on the path to net zero, it is essential to understand the unique challenges each airport faces in reducing carbon emissions. The complexity of airport operations - from 24/7 consumption demands to fluctuating passenger numbers - makes energy management and carbon reduction particularly challenging. However, these challenges also present opportunities for significant improvements in efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.
A thorough assessment of the airport site reveals the 'art of the possible' in sustainability efforts, which include energy efficiency measures, operational changes and strategic investments in technologies such as solar panels and battery storage.
Maximising energy efficiency is the first step towards decarbonisation. Measures to achieve this range from immediate efficiency improvements such as LED lighting and optimisation of HVAC controls, to more far-reaching changes such as the installation of on-site renewable energy sources.
The move towards clean energy contracts and the exploration of on-site PV installations, such as solar panels, possibly in conjunction with battery storage for uninterrupted power supply, demonstrates the multi-faceted approach required for airports to truly reduce their carbon footprint.
Equans assists airports with large-scale decarbonisation projects by providing comprehensive services from initial assessment to project implementation and financing solutions.
The financial aspect of decarbonisation, exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic on capital resources, is addressed through innovative financing options. Equans offers solutions such as 'decarbonisation as a service' and other financing models that allow airports to invest in the necessary upgrades without having to spend money upfront. These models not only facilitate immediate decarbonisation measures, but also ensure that airports can financially sustain these efforts in the long term.
A holistic approach to decarbonisation includes working with tenants to reduce Scope 3 emissions. This emphasises the importance of shared efforts and sustainability goals. Encouraging behavioural change and operational adjustments ensures that carbon reduction becomes embedded in the airport's culture, leading to long-term sustainability and moving beyond temporary solutions, such as carbon offsets, to true sustainability.
Case Study: UK Regional Airport, a Blueprint for Achieving Net Zero
To meet the UK's 2040 Jet Zero plan, a regional airport in the UK embarked on an ambitious decarbonisation process to reduce its 10,000 tCO2e emissions from Scope 1 and Scope 2 sources. As part of this strategy, Equans installed a state-of-the-art intelligent LED lighting system to reduce power consumption, upgraded the building management system (BMS) and overhauled the HVAC system with EC fans and variable speed drives (VSD).
PV panels were installed on the roofs to reduce reliance on conventional sources. Sustainable heating and hot water systems were implemented to minimise environmental impact while maintaining functionality. Energy-efficient cooling systems were also installed to optimise the consumption of the airport's infrastructure.
These efforts resulted in a significant reduction in emissions, with energy efficiency alone contributing to a reduction of 2,500 tCO2e; and the introduction of green electricity and heating solutions reducing emissions by 3,000 tCO2e and 4,500 tCO2e respectively.
Facilities Management: Striking the Right Balance in Modern Airports
Managing a modern airport means ensuring safety and comfort for passengers and maintaining profitable operations. Airports are important hubs in the global transport network and require a holistic approach that fulfils the different needs of passengers, airlines and all business partners.
Tackling Complex Airport Challenges with Multi-Technical Expertise
Armed with over sixty years of experience in the technological advancement of the aviation sector, Equans offers a robust suite of services to meet these multifaceted challenges. This comprehensive suite includes the installation and management of electrical, electromechanical and hydraulic systems, as well as the monitoring of power and network infrastructure. In addition, Equans specialises in improving aerodrome signage, optimising runway lighting and enhancing passenger handling systems, among other critical tasks.
Equans Services: Synergising Facilities Management and Energy Solutions
Our dedicated business unit, Equans Services, works across all sectors and is recognised for its expertise in integrated facilities management and energy efficiency solutions: from designing and implementing intelligent technical operational solutions to managing and optimising the operation of buildings and airport sites. This includes managing the technical aspects of buildings, energy and network systems, air traffic control and meteorological equipment through to baggage handling and security systems. Through operational support, careful technical monitoring and proactive maintenance, Equans Services ensures that airports consistently maintain the highest standards of safety, efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
What's more, Equans Services not only manages airports, but also ensures their long-term sustainability and profitability. By automating operational processes, integrating cutting-edge technologies and promoting energy efficiency solutions, Equans Services is helping the industry streamline facility management and empower their transition.
Schiphol Airport: A Shared Vision for Shaping the Sustainable Future of Aviation
In early 2023, Equans led a monumental project to decarbonise Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to support the airport's commitment to reach zero net emissions as early as 2030. The project included the renovation of Departure Lounge 1, which comprises 24,000 square metres of operational space, as well as the creation of 23 new shops and restaurants and the improvement of traffic routes.
The project is currently nearing completion, and this renovation marks a new milestone, inviting travellers into a space where sustainability, digital transformation and efficiency converge to create an enhanced travel experience.
A New Dawn for Air Travel
The convergence of sustainability initiatives and digital technology is creating a new airspace that aims to improve airport operations and the passenger experience. Developing greener airports and integrating advanced technologies is a multi-faceted challenge that requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration. Equans' efforts to support the industrial, digital, and energy transitions in the aviation industry exemplify the comprehensive approach required to decarbonise air travel. As the industry continues to recover and grow, the adoption of green practices and digital technologies will be critical to ensuring a smart, sustainable future for global aviation.
