How Airports Are Growing Without Blowing Their Climate Goals

Airports have committed to reaching net zero while also eyeing growth — some think they can do both by building less. “We don’t see growth and our net-zero target as conflicting objectives,” Vancouver International Airport’s environment director Wendy Avis told Skift. The airport, known by its airport code, YVR, hopes to achieve net-zero emissions from its authority’s own operations by 2030, which includes buildings, fleets, emergency generators, refrigerants and electricity. It uses digital twins — virtual models of the airport — and analytics to monitor how passengers, luggage, aircraft, and airport assets move through the airport to figure out where it can grow without needing more concrete. “In many cases, the most sustainable building is the one you don’t have to build. If we can accommodate more passengers through better use of our existing assets, we avoid the emissions associated with constructing