ACRP IdeaHub Research Projects

Develop a simplified airport emissions inventory tool for criteria pollutants.

The proposed research project would evaluate carbon removal strategies that could be deployed at airports to help achieve "Net Zero Emissions" in order to align with global emission reduction targets and to address increasing public scrutiny. Carbon removal strategies include both natural (e.g., tree plantings and agricultural soil management) and technological approaches (e.g., carbon-absorbing concrete and direct air... 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 »

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.

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

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a drastic reduction (in some cases over 95%) in air traffic operations at airports around the country. The only other time such extreme conditions occurred was after 9/11 (with three days of a total ground stop). The current situation presents an opportunity to collect significantly more data from a longer time period for both noise and air emissions to understand baselines, and the... more »

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

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.

Development of a microgrid standard framework (Technical, Financial, Regulatory, Permitting) solution which can apply to all airports across the country. Due to the complexity of the airports' operation and numbers of stakeholders and decision-makers, this comprehensive solution has not been developed.

To produce a guidance document that presents airports with their options for various environmental certification and accreditation programs and provides detailed yet easy-to-follow methodology on how to obtain them.

This research seeks to compile available research on per- and polyfluoroalklyl substances (PFAS) air emissions at airport facilities and provide a better understanding of potential concerns related to PFAS release and exposure during aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) activities. As fluorine-free firefighting foams are being developed, it is also important to understand air emissions during use of these new alternatives.... more »

GA Airports face a beneficial at the same time potentially costly decisions to support electric aircraft at their airports in the next 2-4 years. This project will equip airports with rigorous guidance to understand the environmental benefits of electric aviation for airports to evaluate when they start to consider investing in electric charging infrastructure.

Electric or Hydrogen aircraft could present long-term sustainable solutions for aviation, but will heavily depend on the ability of airports to coordinate and provide the infrastructure required for their operation. This research will look into such challenges and opportunities.

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)

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.