Green Airports: How to Combine Eco-Engineering Solutions, Social Responsibility and Economic Benefits

Aviation produces at least 5% of global carbon and pollutant emissions. The green, sustainable, eco‑friendly and silent airport concepts’ implementation makes it possible to strengthen the aviation’s contribution to the sustainable development agenda. The aim of the study is to systematize technically feasible engineering solutions for a complex object of air transport infrastructure, which lead to an increase in the project cost of construction or reconstruction, but at the same time reduce air pollution, noise, wastewater, waste, electricity and water, taking into account prolonged social and economic effects. Methods : a) drawing up a heat map of the appropriate solutions for airport facilities (terminal, airfield, airfield area, and hangar); b) selection and critical evaluation of engineering solutions to reduce emissions in the terminal and airfield design and construction with a forecast of economic benefits. Findings of the study reveal the confirmation of the advantages of implementing eco‑engineering solutions for a green airport, including eco‑design and data management, monitoring and forecasting energy consumption, water supply, technical parameters of airport operations to ensure flights and passenger safety in conditions of increased flight intensity, performed in the form of a critical assessment of the effects, and show the ranges as reducing the carbon footprint, as well as savings on future operating costs with objective financial constraints in the airport construction or reconstruction. Conclusion. The future savings effect provides an economic incentive, in addition to following responsible behavior, to build new carbon-neutral airports, combining concern for the environment, aviation safety, passenger comfort and the well-being of local residents.

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