ACRP IdeaHub Ideas

The objective of this research is to create a database of performance benchmarks for airport facilities. Airport staff need a better understanding of key operational metrics associated with building performance in order to improve efficiency, decrease operating costs, and reduce environmental impacts. A standard system which normalizes for weather, location, carbon intensity of utility supplied energy, and airport specific... more »

This research would examine several examples where implementation of Metroplex or other procedures has resulted in widespread increased community complaints and would explore options for redesigning those flight tracks to reduce noise concentrations over noise sensitive areas while satisfying project design goals and constraints. Changes in aircraft noise exposure, fuel consumption, and air emissions would be quantified... more »

Develop a simplified airport emissions inventory tool for criteria pollutants.

Conduct research on airport noise and emissions regulations,

requirements, programs in place at U.S. airports, including the impetus

for each, legal authority and impact.

By understanding what other airports are doing in the very wide subject area of sustainability, it may spur airports to try different means of conserving energy, recycling materials, or otherwise improving its sustainability practices. By looking not only at the practices, but the results, the challenges to implementation, and the costs of implementation, airports will be provided with guidance to improve their practices... more »

We propose an ACRP guidebook and associated tools to help airports plan and implement EV charging stations. Specific topics of the guidebook could include: station siting, codes and standards, costs and benefits, pricing electricity use, payment systems, future-proofing investments, ADA requirements, signage, and incorporation with airport emission goals and airport master plan.

The proposed work will provide a synthesis on the experiences of airport operators with regard to integrating the current alternative jet fuel into the airport fuel setting.

To develop carbon offset methodologies for both commercial and general aviation airports that generate revenue.

The objective is to update the guidance and software for calculating airport construction emissions in order to:

• Incorporate the latest construction practices and regulatory requirements.

• Calculate emissions through the latest version of MOVES.

• Integrate applicable modifications to ACRP Report 102 and the Airport Construction Emissions Inventory Tool (ACEIT)

Perform economic, environmental and social benefits analysis of using plant based diet in airports and flights. Industrial meat, poultry, and dairy production has a huge footprint of resource consumption--energy, water, and land. As a result the practice produces air, water and land pollution. The practice also causes human health related deceases. A triple Bottom Line analysis of low carbon plant based food usage... more »

Develop emissions factors for air pollutants emitted from aircraft auxiliary power units for a larger set of APUs than are currently in AEDT.

Develop a spreadsheet tool and user guidebook for airports to quantify the non-energy benefits of SAJF in their region, to enable more accurate and comprehensive benefit-cost analysis for investment and policy decision-making.

Install and operate a low cost remote tower solution using COTS/FAA approved radar only FOD detection solution (currently in operation at Heathrow) combined with an optical aircraft tail number/aircraft counter system/situational awareness system.

Airports can play a meaningful role advancing the Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF) adoption. One key area is understanding SAJF infrastructure needs. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has demonstrated leadership along with partners Alaska Airlines and Boeing by pursuing an "Aviation Biofuels Infrastructure Feasibility Study." In 2018, San Francisco International Airport is poised to issue an RFP to identify... more »

Produce a guidebook to provide a thorough overview of the emerging commercial space market and its implications for air traffic and airports. The research should include launch and reentry operations and cover emerging markets such as commercial crew operations to the International Space Station, space tourism, and fast point-to-point travel. The guidebook should address integrating flight operations with existing air... more »