Themes summary
Green Terminal Buildings
Within the ‘ Green Terminal Buildings’ sub group a performance based terminal model is discussed. Various parties have contributed to this model. This turning terminal seems perhaps far-fetched, but has many surprising attractive aspects. From a client (passengers, carriers, handlers, governments) perspective, from a sustainability perspective, and from a process perspective some aspects are as compact and hospitable as possible. By developing a compact, flexible and modular terminal, there is barely something to be demolished or even ‘thrown away’. Consequently, the impact on the environment is limited. There are still a few things to further research (technology, turnaround times, effectiveness, etc.) but together with our partners we get back to work to further develop this concept. Next step: Consortium. Project application (20K EUR at Climate-KIC).
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Airport Processes
The working groups within the ‘Airport Processes’ theme have created countless inspiring ideas. The thread was the “chain innovation” and to achieve that increased transparency between the several parties in the chain is required. Some ideas have already been (partly) tried out (e.g. the glass in the terminal supplied with a top coat with solar reflective panels), and some are new (e.g. the common use layout through which piers are used in a more compact way).
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Aviation technology
The theme ‘ Aviation Technology’ focused on biofuels and how these fuels can be applied to the aviation industry in the short term by replacing traditional kerosene. A few outcomes: Yes, biofuels can replace kerosene (WWF/Ecofys report on energy transport use in 2050). We have the technology, the biofuel prices will decrease and fossil fuel prices will increase. The question is when will this happen? An important barrier is that aviation biofuels (compared to other industries) have to be comprehensively tested and certified. This requires both time and money. A solution could be to let seed capital and/or industry leaders invest in the certification of the best initiatives. Another outcome was that KLM is well on its way with the Corporate BioFuel Program (where Schiphol, DSM, Nike, Heineken and others participate) and that the next challenge is maybe within reach: An attractive offer for consumers to fly on biofuel, attractive because of various aspects. Next step: request for a substantial Climate-KIC grant together with Air France-KLM, Utrecht University, PIK/Imperial College, theGROUNDS-partners, and -start-up- SkyNRG. Also DSM is interested in the initiative.
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Regional Urban Integration
An international delegation, including representatives from the airports of Charles de Gaulle, Zurich, Munich and Singapore, was present at the ‘ Regional Urban Integration’ theme. Airports and their environments have grown together. In the future the airport and its stakeholders should collaborate in a sustainable urban planning environment. Therefore both a governmental model and good harmony of physical affairs are required. Research is required to quantify the advantages and disadvantages. Next step: the team members that prepared this topic have been granted a NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) subsidy in an earlier stage, amongst others to focus on the Schiphol situation and its environment. This research has been discussed on the seminar: an important next step for Schiphol, the region, and for the environment.
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