Improving airport sustainability
Sustainability is a key dimension of our design solutions, resulting in low carbon, energy efficient buildings and net zero terminals which meet the most stringent operating criteria while providing improved sustainability outcomes.
Our airport planning team have helped San Francisco International Airport to define and implement their Zero Net Energy plan. Achieving this kind of goal means shaping aviation development from the outset through masterplanning, including pathways to decarbonisation and reducing Scope 1 to 3 emissions. This means more efficient landside, terminal and airfield arrangements; electrification of the airside and landside; safeguarding for future sustainable energy and aviation fuels; mitigation of noise and local emissions; sustainable surface access; economic, employment and social value strategies; as well as climate change resilience and adaptation.
Sustainability often means working smarter, optimising the reuse of existing infrastructure and giving robust planning advice which avoids a piecemeal approach to short-lived infrastructure.
In December 2022, extreme snow storms impacted millions of travellers. To meet the needs of customers more effectively, organisations need to be better prepared for unpredictable, fast changing conditions.
At Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the winter storms led to the cancellation and delay of more than 1,300 flights and disrupted the travel plans of over 180,000 passengers. A cross-disciplinary team of Arup experts investigated the events and developed a plan to enable YVR to deal with sudden operational disruptions, maintain safety, and improve the experience of passengers and airport workers.
Experts from Arup’s Operational Readiness Activation & Transition (ORAT) service, working alongside our Aviation Planning, Risk & Resilience, and Specialist Technology, Analysis and Research teams, carried out an extensive review of YVR’s situation and delivered the YVR Report & Action Plan: December 2022 Travel Disruption. Our detailed review identified the regulations, policies, plans, procedures, and directives applicable to the event, determined the performance and service level of staff, and analysed what worked, what didn’t, and why.
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To find out more about our aviation experience and how we can help, download our aviation brochure.
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Projects
Explore more aviation projects:
Transforming the travel experience at Zayed International Airport
Zayed International Airport Terminal A, United Arab Emirates
Crafting a New York–inspired atmosphere for passengers traveling through JFK’s global gateway to the world
JFK New Terminal One Art, Branding, and Digital Experience Program, USA
Helping Vancouver International Airport to prepare for unexpected weather
Vancouver International Airport After Action Review, Canada
Seamless redevelopment and renovation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, USA
Aviation
Arup is a global leader in airport master planning, airport terminal and support facility designs and many other specialist services the industry relies on.