Margaret Giuliano ponders on the realities of a green ramp.
With the US facing the largest environmental disaster in its history as a result of the explosion and collapse of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, it is becoming increasingly apparent that plant, sea life, birds, water and shore habitats are intricately interrelated in sustaining each flora and species and, indeed, our quality of life. The good news is that technology and energy costs are the catalysts for change and so the community of airport, aeronautical and air service providers has embarked on steps to minimise the environmental impact of their operations. But what exactly have they done and what can they continue to do to protect the environment?
Airport operations involve the transfer, storage and handling of millions of gallons of fuel, not only for the aircraft that make up the worldwide air transportation system but for the fleets of vehicles and other motorised equipment that service them. Just as air carriers are looking to electrify gates, the motorised component of our industry can continue and enhance local environmental mitigation efforts by expanding their use of hybrid and low emission vehicles. Recent economic studies done by the United States Federal Aviation Administration puts the payback of switching to such vehicles at between 0 to 2 years.
The importance of knowledge
Industries are becoming more knowledgeable in the science-based understanding of their operations including, with respect to environmental problems, modelling emissions predictions.
A fleet of electric vehicles and electrified GSE recharging stations reduce noise, carbon emissions and, of course, fuel consumption. This allows industry to quantify the benefits of alternative and synthetic fuels and the use of hybrid and electric vehicles. Our industry should seek and, where it is not currently available, press for special low interest financing for these types of vehicles.
From how you train your employees to how you manage your operations, there are opportunities to go green. Analyse your operations critically to identify software or other technologies that can provide improved efficiency. For instance, automation can optimise your vehicle routing and personnel assignments.
If you can incorporate new technology and software that improves gate-to-gate and surface operating procedures, you not only have a more efficient operation and better performance, but you save on manpower and equipment operating costs. Reduced fuel and operating costs result in less hazardous emissions to the environment.
At many airport locations, ground service providers have taken the initial steps to ensure the quality of air and water remains clean for the future generations but the message is clear: more remains to be done.