SUSTAINABLE AIRPORT ENERGY MANAGEMENT: THE CASE OF KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Airports play a vital role in the global air transport industry facilitating the interchange between the air and surface transport modes. The growth in passenger and air cargo traffic has resulted in increased energy requirements that airports need to satisfy. Airports are extremely energy intensive. To mitigate the environmental impact from energy consumption, airports have introduced a wide range of energy saving measures. Using a longitudinal case study research design, this study examines Osaka’s Kansai International Airport sustainable energy management, energy sources, energy consumption and the methods and technologies that have been implemented to mitigate the environmental impact of energy at the airport. The study period was from 2002 until 2015. The qualitative data was examined by document analysis. Electricity, natural gas, hydrogen and wind power are the airports principal energy sources. Despite the growth in passengers and aircraft movements, the airport has been able to reduce its energy consumption. Energy-saving initiatives including the use of hydrogen, solar, and wind power, fixed electrical ground power for aircraft, widespread use of LED lighting, more efficient use of air conditioning systems and ceiling fans, and the use of low emission vehicles.