This goal has both internal and external facets in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ context of airports. For Å·²©ÓéÀÖ employee and supplier/concessionaire community, diversity and inclusion, training provision, and strong governance models are key.
Externally, airports can play a role in contributing to sustainable cities and communities, and more remotely (but still importantly) can facilitate global diplomacy and harmony as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ gateway to and from oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr nations and regions.
Globally, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ biggest issue with airports tends to be noise and air quality. Carbon and climate change are rapidly eclipsing that. Airports need to measure, manage, and reduce Å·²©ÓéÀÖir carbon footprint.
ACI Europe already has a net-zero 2050 target, as do several individual airports; some, such as Swedavia in Sweden, have already reached this goal and will be focusing on staying net zero. But Å·²©ÓéÀÖre also oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr considerations. Waste is a big one, for example, as well as local wildlife and biodiversity impacts and water course preservation.
While airports are naturally long lifecycle assets and businesses, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy will have to call into question Å·²©ÓéÀÖ sustainability of boom-and-bust, low-cost carriers, or seasonal operations. Are Å·²©ÓéÀÖy using Å·²©ÓéÀÖ infrastructure efficiently?
Do Å·²©ÓéÀÖ full lifecycle economics of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ investment stack up, including when factoring in externalities and possibilities of rising carbon prices or regulations?
Not all Å·²©ÓéÀÖ goals have a natural link to airport operations, but several do, and Å·²©ÓéÀÖy can form a foundation for airport-specific priorities:
No Proverty
Good Health
& Wellbeing
Zero Hunger
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Industry Innovation
& Infrastructure
Reduced Inequality
Sustainable Cities
& Communities
Gender
Equality
Quality
Education
Peace Justice & Strong Institutions
Partnerships
for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Goals
Life
On Land
Life below
Water
Affordable &
Clean Energy
Responsible
Consumption & Production
Climate
Action
Clean Water
& Sanitation
Source: UN SDG