The operational expenses of airports are significantly influenced by energy expenditures, which typically account for roughly 10% to 15% of the entire operating budget. By implementing energy-efficient strategies, airports can reduce costs and enhance their environmentally conscious image. The strategies presented in this report aim to achieve substantial energy savings and rapid cost recovery. On average, airports (as part of the transportation complex sector) utilize approximately 19.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and 34.7 thousand Btu of natural gas per square foot per year, with lighting and cooling comprising 46% of the total energy consumption (as depicted in figure 1). It is widely acknowledged that VoIP technology is eco-friendly, and this is a topic that we are delighted to revisit.
How to effectively save energy?
To effectively manage energy costs at an airport, it is imperative to comprehend the billing structure for energy consumption. In most cases, utility companies levy charges on commercial buildings for natural gas based on the amount of energy delivered. Conversely, the billing of electricity can be more intricate, involving two measures: consumption and demand.
The consumption element of the electricity bill is computed based on the total quantity of electricity utilized in kilowatt-hours (kWh) throughout a specified month. In contrast, the demand component is ascertained by the peak demand, measured in kilowatts (kW), transpiring within the same month. Monthly demand charges may exhibit substantial variations, ranging from meager amounts to exceeding $20 per kW. Notably, these charges are frequently based on the highest peak recorded in the preceding 12 months.
It is of utmost importance to diminish the occurrence of maximum energy demand whenever feasible as it can greatly affect your entire energy invoice. Whilst perusing the forthcoming energy expenditure administration suggestions, it is advisable to contemplate the extent to which each one will impact both your consumption, gauged in kilowatt-hours, and your demand, gauged in kilowatts. By optimizing both constituents, you can proficiently govern and diminish your energy disbursements, you could be getting the best utility rates.
Easy ways around it
Opportunities of considerable energy conservation are discernible in diverse airport systems, with a specific emphasis on illumination and cooling terminal functions. An efficacious tactic is to set electronic appliances on timers, guaranteeing their operation only when obligatory. A simplistic yet effective measure is “dimming down,” which encompasses the curtailment of energy expenditure. Akin to this method, a reduction of 1,000 kWh of electricity can save up to $120 on the service charges, based on the average electricity cost of $0.12 per kWh.
Another approach that can be employed is known as “delamping”. This entails utilizing brighter lighting fixtures in select areas of the airport than is strictly necessary. Through such a measure, it is possible to curtail expenses without having to make any concessions with regards to the comfort of occupants. An exemplary instance of the successful implementation of this tactic is the Toronto airport. By expunging one T8 bulb from every two-lamp fixture, the terminal lighting was reduced by 40%. This action resulted in the elimination of as many as 2,000 bulbs and led to a significant decrease in both replacement and energy expenses. Remarkably, no customer complaints arose concerning insufficient lighting conditions.
To optimize energy efficiency in the domain of flight information displays, the implementation of software applications designed to regulate display sequencing in correspondence with occupancy patterns within a designated vicinity can prove advantageous. Furthermore, the consideration of displays that meet ENERGY STAR qualifications during replacement procedures has the potential to yield even more substantial reductions in energy consumption.
In terms of office equipment, the act of powering down or placing computers into sleep mode when not in use has the potential to significantly decrease energy consumption. It is important to note that desktop computers require more energy compared to flat-screen monitors, thus making it imperative to implement power management solutions. The ENERGY STAR Power Management program provides valuable insights into various options, including utilizing complimentary software that automatically places active monitors and computers into low-power sleep mode through a local area network. Furthermore, the utilization of intelligent power strips to deactivate plugged-in devices, such as printers and monitors, when not in use, in addition to the installation of computer power-management software, can lead to further reductions in energy usage.
In Conclusion
Effective management of energy costs is of utmost importance in ensuring the profitability of airports. The expenses incurred on energy constitute a considerable proportion of an airport’s operating budget. The implementation of energy-efficient strategies can lead to a reduction in costs and promote a more environmentally conscious image. To achieve effective cost management, it is essential to understand the billing structure for energy consumption, which involves both consumption and demand charges. Several strategies can be employed to save energy in airports, including setting electronic equipment on timers, adopting the “dimming down” approach to reduce energy usage, and implementing “delamping” to optimize lighting. The use of software applications for flight information displays and consideration of ENERGY STAR-qualified displays during replacements can further enhance energy efficiency. Furthermore, the management of office equipment through powering down or putting computers into sleep mode when not in use, coupled with the utilization of power management software and intelligent power strips, can result in significant energy savings.
