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12 To successfully implement a sustainability program, especially in an era of limited staff and less specialization, the TRB ACRP realized that airports could use a clear, simple guidebook for incorporating sustainability into traditional airport projects. 2.1 Research Approach This research project was commissioned by the ACRP with the stated objective of develop- ing a guidebook that airports can use to assist in evaluating sustainable design and technology alternatives during the planning and design phases of airport project developments. As a result of this research, a guidebook and accompanying Excel-based, interactive decision- making tool, the ASAT, were designed to assist airport decision makers to identify and assess sus- tainable practices that could potentially be incorporated into traditional airport projects within their unique operating environments. A glossary of terms and definitions relevant to sustainability initiatives and practices is included in Appendix A, Glossary of Terms and Definitions. A comprehensive collection of sustainable strategies for consideration at an airport is pre- sented in Appendix B, Sustainable Initiatives for Incorporation Into Traditional Airport Projects. A review of sustainability-related literature, research, published guidance, and other materials was completed in order to gain an understanding of the most current information and materials relevant to sustainable practices at airports, as well as sustainable practices in use at non-airport industries that would be applicable to airports. The results, drawn from numerous public and private-entity sources, are presented in Appendix C, Resources and References. Nineteen facilities were identified that warranted further investigation as case studies. The collection of case study information is available through the ASAT. 2.2 Who Should Use the Guidebook and ASAT The aviation industry is lacking comprehensive and easily attainable information regarding sustainable practices, methods, procedures, and technologies for an airport environment. This guidebook and accompanying ASAT serve to fill that void. The valuable information gained through the research and case studies completed for this project was used to develop this guidebook and the ASAT that allow users to determine, evalu- ate, and judge what practices would be most applicable and useful for their individual airport Purpose and Structure of the Guidebook and ASAT C h a p t e r 2
purpose and Structure of the Guidebook and aSat 13 situations/environments, and also strives to eliminate their need to research all relevant materials on their own time and at their own expense. This guidebook and accompanying ASAT are intended for use by airport decision makers in identifying sustainable design concepts and technologies that could be considered for imple- mentation in their unique operating environments and providing information about sustain- able design concepts and technologies that are already under consideration by other airport decision makers. 2.3 How to Use the Guidebook and ASAT This guidebook and ASAT can be used together or separately, depending on the needs of the user. All data collected through industry research and through the case study process are included in the guidebook and assessment tool, as well as all suggested sustainable strategies for implementation in an airport environment. Within this guidebook, Appendix B, Sustainable Initiatives for Incorporation Into Traditional Airport Projects, presents detailed sustainable strategies for airports to incorporate into tradi- tional planning, design, construction and everyday operations/maintenance projects, under the major areas listed below: ⢠Administrative procedures ⢠Social responsibility ⢠Planning process ⢠Sustainable site management ⢠Site selection and management ⢠Water efficiency ⢠Energy and atmosphere ⢠Materials and resources ⢠Indoor environmental quality ⢠Construction practices ⢠Encouraging tenants and concessionaires to operate sustainably Like Appendix B to this guidebook, the assessment tool presents the same detailed sustainable strategies for airports to incorporate into traditional planning, design, construction and every- day operations/maintenance projects. However, ASAT is interactive and guides the user through the basic framework of a sustainability decision-making process. In addition, ASAT offers results for users who are on three different tracks of desired assistance: (1) those who are already con- sidering implementation of a particular sustainability strategy and want to know more about it; (2) those who are searching for ideas of sustainability strategies for potential implementation at their airport; and (3) those who are interested in learning what sustainability initiatives other airports have implemented.
