The below post summarizes five key points of the ACRP Research Report 277: Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change, from TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program — a guide for airport practitioners and other stakeholders to understand the relationships between an airport’s activity, economic benefits, and climate change. ACRP is the Airport Cooperative Research Program, authorized by Congress, sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration, and managed by the Transportation Research Board or TRB.
“To solve common problems, learn about new technologies, and assess innovations in service and operations, airports need unbiased and reliable research. In 2005, the Airport Cooperate Research Program (ACRP) was established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to meet this need. Each year, ACRP receives funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ACRP’s program sponsor. With this budget, ACRP funds research projects and activities to help airports surmount real-world challenges and problems.”
- New aircraft technologies, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and advancements in air traffic control are feasible paths to reduce aviation emissions by 2050 significantly, but SAF cost remains a challenge.
- Airports can reduce emissions through energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy sources, sustainable airport design, and by working with stakeholders to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
- Airports are vital to local and regional economies, creating new jobs, generating household income, and driving economic output. Reductions in aviation activity lead to significant economic losses.
- Effective communication strategies are essential for airports to address community concerns about climate change; strategies include setting goals, reporting progress, and engaging stakeholders.
- Airports can enhance credibility and communicate sustainability efforts by pursuing certifications like Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) and LEED and applying for industry awards.
Contributor(s): National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Transportation Research Board; Airport Cooperative Research Program; Frank Berardino; David Weingart; Dirk Singer; Rosemary Barnes; and, Katie Franco.
(Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/28759.)
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