Introduction

As global awareness of climate change and environmental impact intensifies, the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Sustainability and Green Airports are no longer aspirational concepts but essential requirements for modern aviation infrastructure. Airports, as significant consumers of energy and generators of emissions, waste, and noise, play a pivotal role in the industry's environmental footprint. Implementing comprehensive sustainability strategies—from renewable energy integration and efficient resource management to biodiversity conservation and community engagement—is crucial for airports to reduce their ecological impact, enhance operational resilience, and secure a social license to grow. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the expertise to lead the charge towards Sustainability and Green Airports.

This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to empower airport managers, environmental officers, engineers, planners, compliance officers, and aviation policy makers with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to develop, implement, and manage robust sustainability initiatives and green airport strategies. Participants will gain a deep understanding of environmental management systems, carbon footprint reduction pathways, water and waste management best practices, and the integration of sustainable principles into airport design and operations. The course will delve into topics such as renewable energy solutions, noise abatement, stakeholder engagement, green airport financing, and navigating international environmental regulations. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Sustainability and Green Airports, participants will be prepared to drive environmental performance, achieve regulatory compliance, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for air travel.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Airport Environmental Managers and Officers
• Airport Sustainability Managers
• Airport Operations Managers
• Airport Planners and Developers
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Environmental Departments
• Airline Environmental Officers
• Regulatory Compliance Officers
• Engineers and Architects involved in airport projects
• Financial Managers seeking green financing knowledge
• Community Relations Managers

Course Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of sustainability and their relevance to airport operations.
• Learn to assess and characterize the environmental impact of airports.
• Acquire knowledge of international and national environmental regulations applicable to airports.
• Comprehend strategies for carbon footprint reduction and energy efficiency at airports.
• Explore best practices for water and waste management in airport environments.
• Understand the importance of noise management and local air quality improvement.
• Gain insights into sustainable airport design and construction principles.
• Learn about biodiversity conservation and wildlife management in airport areas.
• Develop skills in stakeholder engagement and community relations for sustainable development.
• Examine financing models and investment opportunities for green airport initiatives.
• Prepare to implement and manage an effective Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Understand the role of Airport Carbon Accreditation and other certification schemes.
• Explore innovative technologies and future trends in green aviation.
• Develop a roadmap for integrating sustainability into their airport's strategy.
• Enhance capabilities for reporting and communicating on environmental performance.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Airport Sustainability

• Defining sustainability: environmental, social, and economic pillars.
• The unique environmental challenges and impacts of airport operations.
• The global context for sustainable aviation: ICAO, IATA, ACI initiatives.
• Benefits of adopting sustainability practices for airports (e.g., cost savings, reputation).
• Case studies of leading green airports worldwide.

Module 2: Environmental Regulations and Policies for Airports

• Overview of international environmental agreements relevant to aviation.
• National environmental laws and regulations impacting airport operations.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for airport development projects.
• Permitting and licensing requirements for airport environmental compliance.
• The role of environmental management systems (EMS) in regulatory adherence.

Module 3: Environmental Management Systems (EMS) for Airports

• Introduction to ISO 14001:2015 standards for EMS.
• Steps to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an EMS.
• Developing an airport environmental policy and setting objectives/targets.
• Roles, responsibilities, and training for EMS implementation.
• Environmental auditing and performance evaluation.

Module 4: Climate Change and Carbon Management

• Understanding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from airport operations (Scopes 1, 2, 3).
• Methodologies for calculating an airport's carbon footprint.
• Strategies for carbon reduction: energy efficiency, renewable energy.
• Carbon offsetting and market-based measures (e.g., carbon credits).
• Pathways to net-zero emissions for airports.

Module 5: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Solutions

• Assessing energy consumption hotspots in airport facilities.
• Implementing energy-efficient technologies (e.g., LED lighting, smart HVAC systems).
• On-site renewable energy generation: solar PV, wind turbines, geothermal.
• Purchasing green energy and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
• Energy storage solutions and smart grid integration.

Module 6: Water Management and Conservation

• Water consumption sources at airports: terminals, ground handling, landscaping.
• Strategies for water conservation: low-flow fixtures, efficient irrigation.
• Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.
• Wastewater treatment and discharge compliance.
• Protecting local water bodies from airport runoff.

Module 7: Waste Management and Circular Economy Principles

• Characterizing airport waste streams: municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, aircraft waste.
• Implementing comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs.
• Composting organic waste and reducing food waste.
• Strategies for eliminating single-use plastics.
• Promoting circular economy principles in airport procurement and operations.

Module 8: Noise Management and Local Air Quality

• Understanding sources of aircraft noise and ground noise.
• Noise monitoring and contour mapping.
• Operational noise abatement measures (e.g., preferential runways, continuous descent).
• Land-use planning for noise compatibility.
• Monitoring and mitigating local air pollutants (NOx, PM, VOCs) from airport activities.

Module 9: Sustainable Airport Design and Construction

• Green building standards and certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) for airport facilities.
• Principles of passive design: natural light, ventilation, insulation.
• Use of sustainable materials in construction and renovation.
• Designing for adaptability and resilience to climate change impacts.
• Sustainable land use planning around the airport.

Module 10: Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management

• The importance of biodiversity around airports and potential impacts of operations.
• Wildlife hazard management: mitigating bird strikes and other wildlife risks.
• Habitat management and ecological restoration within airport boundaries.
• Collaboration with local conservation organizations.
• Invasive species management and protection of endangered species.

Module 11: Sustainable Supply Chain and Procurement

• Integrating sustainability criteria into procurement processes.
• Responsible sourcing of materials and services.
• Engaging with suppliers to promote sustainable practices.
• Reducing supply chain emissions and waste.
• Green procurement policies and ethical considerations.

Module 12: Stakeholder Engagement and Community Relations

• Importance of engaging local communities in airport sustainability initiatives.
• Communication strategies for environmental performance and initiatives.
• Addressing community concerns (e.g., noise, pollution, land use).
• Partnering with local businesses and educational institutions for sustainability projects.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Module 13: Green Airport Financing and Investment

• Accessing green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and other green financing instruments.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable infrastructure projects.
• Incentives and grants for environmental improvements.
• Cost-benefit analysis of sustainability investments.
• Reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance for investors.

Module 14: Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) and Other Certifications

• Overview of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program (Levels 1-5).
• Steps to achieve ACA certification and maintain compliance.
• Benefits of ACA: recognition, efficiency, knowledge transfer.
• Other relevant environmental certifications (e.g., ACI Airport Health Accreditation).
• Reporting requirements for various accreditation schemes.

Module 15: Emerging Trends and Future of Green Aviation

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and their potential for decarbonization.
• Electric and hydrogen aircraft development and airport readiness.
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and vertiports: sustainability implications.
• Digitalization for sustainability: AI, IoT, Big Data for optimized resource use.
• Resilience and adaptation strategies for airports facing climate change impacts.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training