Mayo airport achieves proud carbon accreditation status
Ireland West Airport has achieved Level 3 Accreditation, ‘Optimisation’, in recognition of the airport’s actions to address its CO2 emissions, as part of the Global industry’s response to the challenge of climate change.
Achieving Level 3 Accreditation is in recognition of the airport's exemplary work in reducing its carbon emissions and engaging other stakeholders to do the same, as part of the Global airport industry's response to the challenge of climate change.
Airport Carbon Accreditation is the global standard for carbon management and emission reductions at airports.
This certification programme, specifically designed for airports, has received widespread support and endorsements from both the EU and the UN agencies responsible for civil aviation (ICAO) and climate change (UNFCCC). Launched in June 2009, the programme has Six levels of accreditation: Mapping, Reduction, Optimisation, Neutrality, Transformation and Transition.
Participation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme plays a significant role in the advancement of the airport’s overall Sustainability Strategy.
To meet the demands of sustainable development and to safeguard the environment, Ireland West Airport embarked on an extensive sustainability and energy reduction programme in the last three years and has introduced a comprehensive Energy and Environmental Management System as well as completing several new initiatives such as:
1. Upgraded all terminal and external facility lighting to LED
2. Replaced its Ground Operations Vehicles with a fleet of new fully electric, zero-emissions vehicles
3. Upgraded its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) to the latest in LED technology, which will provide for the next generation of airfield ground lighting
4. Completed an upgrade of its Runway Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). Aircraft can use the DME simultaneously for landings and in conjunction with the Instrument Landing System (ILS), an “instrument landing” is provided which greatly increases efficiencies for aircraft.
5. Upgraded its IRVR equipment (Instrumented Runway Visual Range). IRVR equipment is located along the edge of the runway and provides Air Traffic Control and pilots with information on visibility for landings and take-offs.
This equipment is needed for landing/take-offs in low visibility (Fog) conditions. Upgrading the IRVR system reduces significantly time delays as well as fuel use.
6. Completed an upgrade of the airports Constant Current Regulators with new pure sine wave CCRs which are specifically designed for LED light fittings.
New sine wave CCRs in conjunction with the LED fittings will greatly reduce the consumption of the airport’s airfield lighting.
Ireland West Airport has recently lodged a planning application to develop and install a new solar farm on a site at the airport, which will provide more than 40% of the airport's annual electricity demands.
The airport is also committed to developing electric car charging infrastructure to meet public demand for vehicle charging into the future and also plans to improve the thermal efficiency of the main terminal building by conducting insulation and fabric upgrades and introducing air lock zones along with running information sessions for its employees to encourage energy efficiency improvements across all airport operations.
Airport Carbon Accreditation is an annual certification programme and consequently requires ongoing commitment to sustainability and continuous improvements from year to year.
At present, there are over 600 airports in 89 countries globally which are Airport Carbon Accredited at various levels of the programme. Airports accredited to date handle 53.4% of global passenger traffic each year.
To find out more, you can go to www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org.
PHOTO: Pearse Concannon, Chief Fire and Security Officer, Ireland West Airport, Gary Ginty, Property, Infrastructure & Sustainability Programme Manager, Ireland West Airport, Kieran Boyle, Head of Ground Services, Ireland West Airport