By Tam Osentowski, Global VP of Transportation, Schneider Electric

Airports stand at a crossroads, facing the pressing need to invest in electrification, green technologies, and operational efficiency while also addressing challenges related to expanding capacity, government regulations, technological advancements, and enhancing passenger experience. The good news is amid these complex demands, solutions already exist to help airports overcome these challenges and transition toward a sustainable and efficient future.

The challenge of electrification and green technologies while addressing operational efficiency

As the world shifts towards sustainable practices, airports are under increasing pressure to electrify their operations and integrate green technologies.  When an airport implements electric ground support equipment (eGSE), electric vehicle and bus charging infrastructures, and possibly in the near future, electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, it must also consider the financial burden of upfront costs and infrastructure limitations of the electrical grid.

Operational efficiency is pivotal for airports striving to balance sustainability with functionality. With over 200 disparate systems, the lack of data points is not the challenge, it is the lack of actionable insights.  Having a birds-eye view of energy consumption offers a path that allows operators to identify and eliminate waste and use the data.   However, achieving this efficiency amidst a backdrop of financial burdens, cybersecurity and evolving government regulations is no easy feat.

The digital transformation toward sustainability

To successfully overcome these challenges, airports need to adopt a strategic approach, employing effective planning, streamlined processes, and valuable operational insights. Digitalization will play a crucial role in enabling this transformation. By becoming digitally connected, a smart airport can then access real-time data and leverage advanced analytics to provide meaningful information to the right people at the right time.

At the facility infrastructure level, one impactful solution is the implementation of an integrated Building Management System (iBMS). This system offers a unified view, or a ‘single pane of glass’ for centralized monitoring and control of various systems such as HVAC, lighting, and security. HVAC itself can represent up to 60% of an airport’s energy consumption.   With an iBMS, an airport can improve visibility, coordination, and maintenance of these valuable resources while supporting the airport’s goals of decarbonization and achieving green building certification. The iBMS facilitates informed decision-making and proactive maintenance, thus contributing to operational efficiency and cost savings.

By implementing a power management system and advanced analytics, airports can revolutionize their operations, becoming significantly more efficient and environmentally friendly. The power management system allows for the intelligent control and monitoring of energy usage, optimizing the distribution of power throughout the airport infrastructure. Coupled with advanced analytics, airports can gain valuable insights into their energy consumption patterns, enabling proactive decision-making and the identification of opportunities for efficiency improvements. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes the airport’s environmental footprint by curbing energy wastage and promoting the use of sustainable energy sources.

The Path Forward

With newer business models, such as Energy as a Service (EaaS), an airport can consider a way to get its capital expenditure projects completed as JFK did for the New Terminal One (NTO).  Using an EaaS model to design, construct, and operate an integrated microgrid infrastructure, NTO receives sustainable, resilient, and cost-predictable energy without the upfront costs.

Moreover, by leveraging Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Power and Building Management System solutions, airports can navigate the complexities of electrification, green technologies, and operational efficiency. These solutions enable airports to monitor and manage their energy consumption, integrate renewable energy sources, and ensure the seamless operation of critical systems. Learn more about our solutions at https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/solutions/for-business/transportation/

About the author

Tam is Vice President, Global Transportation Segment where she is responsible for the strategy, sales & deployment of Schneider Electric’s portfolio for infrastructures of the future across 40 countries. Tam has been at the forefront in defining and delivering solutions to address customer pain points through her 22-year tenure at Schneider Electric.  Her expertise in sustainability consulting services and strategic customer experience management allows her to deliver tailored services for new and existing customers, with a particular focus on leading electrification efforts to build more sustainable operations.