An International Outlook on the Need for Carbon-Neutral and Sustainable Airports

Abstract The transport industry, including air transport services, is crucial for social and economic growth and heavily relies on energy for its production and use. The transportation sector’s emissions exhibit the most pronounced trend, highlighting the need for appropriate environmental planning for sustainable development, especially the authors focus in the chapter titled Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Airports. Carbon neutrality is the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by balancing total emissions from various sources over a period of time. It is observed that air transportation is a vital economic tool, facilitating the movement of people and goods and contributing significantly to global economic growth. However, the aviation sector is one of the most carbon-intensive sectors. Aviation emissions significantly contribute to climate change, resulting in CO2 emissions and warming impacts from NO2, contrails, and cloud formation. To achieve airport sustainability, countries of worldwide have been promoting sustainable airports through various initiatives, including efficient energy use and the use of carbon-free technology, adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green building, electric vehicles, solar rooftops, etc. Furthermore, airports worldwide are implementing green strategies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As aviation demand increases, it’s not feasible for every country to establish a fully green airport project. Few airports have adopted sustainability through renewable energy, energy-efficient operations, and eco-friendly design. Achieving net-zero emissions in the aviation industry requires coordinated efforts. Additionally, collaboration is essential among advanced, developing, and underdeveloped nations. Through advanced technological transformation, providing financial assistance for underdeveloped nations, and collective policymaking will accelerate improvement.