More than ten years ago, the concept of Green airports, was introduced by a non-profit corporation, called the Clean Airport Partnership (CAP). The company envisioned the greening of U.S. airport terminal and back then, this seemed like an overly ambitious concept. Today, these US Green Airports, not only aid in improving environmental quality but are operating favorably as well, at reduced costs in terms of energy efficiency.
Here’s a look at America's Top Three Green Airports:
Denver International Airport
Green travelers are finding it more convenient to find themselves getting their flights and arriving at Denver International Airport. This airport has high efficiency marks of almost 75% in terms of on-time green arrivals and departures. In addition, there are now more restaurants offering health foods for the passengers while waiting for their flights.
Part of the airport’s arrival efficiency may be attributed to this green airport’s acres of solar panels that provide green electricity running half of the airport's system. The airport’s resources are maximized for airport communications, maintenance, and passenger safety.
As the green airport’s environmental contribution, carbon emission reduction achieved is said to be equivalent to 225,000 gallons of gasoline, or the amount of gasoline it takes to fuel 500 cars for a year. Moreover, runways and taxiways are equipped with recycling systems intended as catch basins for about 70% of chemical run-offs for deicing aircrafts.
Dallas, Fort Worth International
This air terminal earns a high green score, for its "green fleet", hence improving air quality for travelers in the area. As a green airport, it operates 540 hybrid land vehicles for its operations, which include lawnmowers and green airport shuttle busses. They all run on compressed natural gas. It also ranks high in the availability of healthy food choices.
Logan International (Boston)
This airport operates green airport shuttle busses that run on compressed natural gas. Hence, passengers taking their flight or arriving here will have improved air quality while traversing airport grounds. The operation of the green airport shuttle busses is said to prevent the contribution of 7 tons of air polluting emissions. The efficiency can also be equated in terms of 800 cars, taken off the road.
However, what this airport really boasts of is the distinction they earned for being the world's first airport terminal that made use of the most green construction materials. In fact, the airport's distinction comes with a certification from the US Green Building Council. Thus, the environmental hazards of toxic building materials such as paints, carpets and other materials that emit and leach have been largely eliminated, affording the green traveling passengers better indoor air quality.
Other green building features of the Logan International airport:
1. High albedo roofing materials or materials that have the ability to reflect in heat of the sun;
2. Automated or self-dimming illuminations;
3. Devices to filter storm water;
4. Slow-flowing faucets, instead of the types that burst with pressure the moment valves are turned open;
5. Waterless urinals;
6. Construction materials, those that were recycled from the old airport building.
There are other air terminals who have also taken the initiative to adopt green measures as their beginnings in becoming green airports. Some may have implemented methods other than those prescribed by the Green Airport Initiatives. Globally, more and more airports in other countries, are also implementing procedures towards becoming green airports.
However, in as much as airports would love to take part in improving air quality, they maintain that their green control is only as far as those that take place within the boundaries of the airport. The air emissions, as airplanes become airborne are beyond the green airport’s control.