Everyone knows that flying is the worst transport method you could choose in terms of the environment when going on holiday. But if all players in the air transport sector implement more sustainability one-by-one, a change can be made. It’s not only airlines and planes, it’s also airports. We want to introduce you to one example: Brussels Airport and its sustainability strategy.
Brussel Airport’s commitment
As the airport states, it is committed to permanently improving its environmental and energy performances.
“This certification is a ‘never ending story’. We evaluate all actions taken and are constantly looking for points of improvement. Every year a supervisory audit takes place and every three years the whole management system is subject to a recertification audit.”, they say.
Sustainable practices
Brussels Airport divides their sustainable practices into eight categories: emissions, noise, mobility, soil, water, energy, waste and biodiversity.
Emissions
As air quality and energy policy are closely linked, the airport is constantly making efforts to work towards carbon neutrality. On 26 June 2019, they even signed the resolution to become a net zero carbon airport by 2050!
Noise
Brussels Airport works to reduce noise pollution of aircraft as much as possible, which has been a huge issue for airports all together for the longest time.
Mobility
Besides, the airport encourages sustainable mobility meaning using more public transport, bikes and ecological cars. In 2018, they promoted sustainable commuting among their employees for 3 months.
Soil
Brussels Airport is eliminating the soil contamination on its grounds with around 95% of their soil now being clean.
Water
Water usage is a big issue for airports. Every day, the airport treats the sanitary waste water of around 50,000 passengers and visitors and 350 arriving aircrafts. The airport has now implemented dry-washing to clean aircrafts and built a new pumping station in 2018.
Energy
Brussels Airport opts for more renewable energy and for a reduction in energy consumption. They consume around 10% less energy compared to 2010.
Waste
From restaurant staff to cleaning teams: the active involvement of all partners at the airport is a central element in the airport’s waste policy.
Biodiversity
A large part of the airport grounds is not built-up and these areas are managed so as to ensure maximum biodiversity.
Source:
All information was taken from https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/environment.