A Green Airport model: Proposition based on social and environmental management systems

Although there is a great deal of knowledge related to sustainable buildings, only a limited number of examples focus on green airports and their impact on cities. As a consequence of new laws that encourage airports to develop sustainability programs, several airport operators are beginning to implement initiatives accordingly. Based upon a literature review and analysis of specific aviation standards, this article seeks an answer to the following question: Which sustainability practices are used at airports that could break off in a sustainable airport model? This research aims to propose a sustainable airport model by analysing several categories that will involve the passenger terminal, runway and airport courtyard. To meet this objective, descriptive methods were used, in order to establish the characteristics of a sustainable airport. As a result, we found 10 indicators and 58 sub-indicators, while strategic objectives were defined to guide the implementation or evaluation of each indicator. Therefore, we were able to implement different approaches to the application of those indicators.