Singapore’s Changi Airport may adopt cleaner vehicles, improve cooling systems, and install solar panels on untapped open spaces within the airport to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, as reported by Strait Times on September 23. A report with suggestions on how to make the airport, airlines, and air traffic management greener was submitted to the Singaporean government by a group comprising 20 experts and business representatives. The government will study these proposals and introduce them into a blueprint that outlines Singapore’s 2030 and 2050 goals for a greener air hub, to be published in 2023.

Changi Airport vowed to cap its carbon emissions at 2018 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The above proposals would be another step toward Changi’s sustainable development goals. Specifically, the 20-member group suggested Changi Airport substitute fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles for the existing fleet of 2,000 to 3,000 vehicles used for airside operations. In addition, Changi Airport is recommended to upgrade its air-conditioning systems and equip windows with solar films that reduce solar heat gain, as air-conditioning accounts for around 60% of the electricity used by the four terminals. Previously, in February, Changi airport also signed an agreement with Airbus to study the feasibility of establishing a hydrogen fuel hub within the airport, supporting future hydrogen-powered aircraft operations.

Sources:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/cleaner-vehicles-greener-air-conditioning-to-be-studied-to-lower-changi-airports-carbon-footprint

https://www.changiairport.com/corporate/media-centre/changijourneys/the-airport-never-sleeps/sustainability-outlook.html

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-02-airbus-signs-agreement-to-study-hydrogen-hub-in-singapore