Seen to be green

Airports can learn a lot from the residents of a small Japanese hillside community. All waste food in Kamikatsu has to be composted and every citizen takes individual responsibility for each and every single piece of rubbish they produce, sorting it themselves into 34 categories for recycling.

It is probably the most thorough example of environmental action in the world, but it illustrates how far most airports lag behind in caring for the planet. Alright, there are a few high tech measures being taken by a handful. Ottawa’s MacDonald-Cartier International, Canada, is installing smart meters to monitor and reduce electricity consumption. The UK’s East Midlands Airport is erecting four wind turbines. Some 40% of Fresno Yosemite International’s electricity is now coming from solar panels. And Perth airport, Australia, is planting thousands of shrubs and trees to offset its carbon emissions.

Trip happy?
But much more could be done and there’s a persuasive business case to be made in support of a substantial increase in high profile, grass roots environmental measures. It’s desperately needed. The whole industry is already suffering from the widespread perception by politicians and the public alike that aviation emissions are detrimental to the environment. The plain truth is that passengers are beginning to feel guilty about their trips.

Far-sighted terminals can play their part in restoring the vital feelgood factor that once abounded among passengers. If travellers feel they are helping the planet, rather than harming it, they will be more likely to fly again. So the terminal that gives them that warm glow will attract more flight operators and more customers.

Where’s the best place to start? Passengers’ environmental awareness has been heightened by government campaigns to encourage us all to create less rubbish, recycle more, stop wasting water and conserve energy. There has been a lot of information about action to take at home – to turn heating down a notch, improve insulation, switch off unnecessary lights, use more efficient appliances.

Seen to be green
These are the kinds of actions that could be taken by terminals and be instantly recognised by passengers as worthwhile, “green” measures. A responsible terminal would advertise that its aircon, heating and lighting have been improved to reduce energy consumption. It would make great play of the thrifty management of water in its washrooms. It would require the use of reusable and recyclable materials at all outlets. It would install prominent waste bins that encourage passengers to sort their trash into paper, card and plastic, making it easier for recycling. It would make eye-catching displays of regularly updated figures showing how much of the various resources its good-hearted passengers have conserved through the new policies.

And to engender a greater feeling of physical well-being, it could go as far as installing in waiting areas exercise machines that generate power for the terminal. Passengers would boost their fitness, save a little more of the planet and work up a thirst that could be slaked by visiting the bar. The bar would, of course,  follow the lead set by Portland International Airport and sell environmentally friendly organic beer.

Cheers.

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