Airport Sustainability: Balancing Operational and Environmental Objectives
Presentation Type
Short presentation 10-15 minutes
In Person or Zoom Presentation
Virtual via Zoom
Campus
Worldwide
Status
Faculty
Faculty/Staff Department
College of Business
Presentation Description/Abstract
Solar power is a frequently used strategy to support green power generation at airports and near airports. Further, all U.S. airports that published ESG reports included solar power as a strategy. Many of these airports utilize solar power to help meet UN SDGs. While solar power provides numerous advantages, in the vicinity of airports it can also present potential risks. This was most recently observed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where nearly half of the panels at a nearby solar farm will be removed due to problems with glare affecting pilots on approach. This research investigates the use of solar power at airports to support UN SDGs and explores when solar may not be appropriate near airports, as well as possible mitigation strategies.
Keywords
Airport sustainability, Airport safety, Photovoltaic siting, Renewable energy infrastructure, Solar glare hazard
Airport Sustainability: Balancing Operational and Environmental Objectives
Solar power is a frequently used strategy to support green power generation at airports and near airports. Further, all U.S. airports that published ESG reports included solar power as a strategy. Many of these airports utilize solar power to help meet UN SDGs. While solar power provides numerous advantages, in the vicinity of airports it can also present potential risks. This was most recently observed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where nearly half of the panels at a nearby solar farm will be removed due to problems with glare affecting pilots on approach. This research investigates the use of solar power at airports to support UN SDGs and explores when solar may not be appropriate near airports, as well as possible mitigation strategies.