Staying focused in disruption
A shared approach to managing disruption
Welcoming attendees to the Delft office, fittingly Haskoning’s most sustainable office space, Esther Kromhout, Managing Director at NACO, outlined some of the geopolitical disruptions the aviation industry is currently facing. From conventional wars and the resulting implications for safety, security and shared airspace; to trade wars, local and international politics, and climate change.But despite the challenges, disruption can spark innovation when approached with focus. In this proactive, hands-on event delegates explored new perspectives as they worked together to identify opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.
Beyond theory: lessons from real world implementation
Along with NACO team members, representatives from Zurich Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport shared real-world examples of how they integrate sustainability and innovation into their airports’ design and strategies.Delegates then enjoyed a lively panel discussion with speakers from the four flagship Horizon 2020 projects. Before splitting into groups for workshops and practical sessions.
TULIPS - AI & data-driven circularity: Reimagining resource flows in future-ready airports
Led by Schiphol, TULIPS is a consortium of 32 European partners, including airports, airlines, knowledge institutions, and other companies. The project aims to reduce emissions across seven focus areas and promote sustainability at airports in line with the goals of the European Green Deal. The workshop focused on the circular construction initiative at Schiphol and the impact that AI can have.Key discussion points:
- How can we use AI and data to improve circularity?
- How can AI identify types of waste and opportunities for its reuse?
- Can AI be used alongside a digital twin to improve facility design?
STARGATE - Fuelling the transition: Gaseous hydrogen today, liquid tomorrow
Stargate project’s ambition is to accelerate the greening of the European airports and aviation industry. Brussels Airport leads a group of 21 partners with the goal of setting up more than 30 projects that will focus on decarbonisation, the local environmental quality and the modal shift. The breakout session focused on gaseous hydrogen as potential stepping stone to liquid hydrogen.
Key discussion points:
- Why the use of gaseous hydrogen, and why now?
- The roadmap to certifiable, profitable light jet electric hydrogen propulsion flights
- What challenges and opportunities will hydrogen powered flight generate?
OLGA - Lighting for Future-Proof Airports
Coordinated by Aeroports de Paris, OLGA (hOListic & Green Airports) aims to improve the aviation sector's environmental impact in an innovative and sustainable way. Focusing here on OLGA’s Smart Innovative Lighting Project, the workshop discussed the impact of the projects before taking on a practical task involving evaluation.
Key discussion points:
- Do more lights mean better lighting?
- How to balance aesthetics and functionality when evaluating lighting?
- How to use the visual sense platform to rate lighting preferences.
ALIGHT - Future-Proofing Airport Infrastructure in support of Electric Aviation
A collaboration between Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Hybrid Greentech, and the Danish Technological Institute, ALIGHT is focused on creating smarter airport energy systems. The development of a smart energy management system for scheduling and optimising solar generation, battery storage, and energy needs was discussed in the context of a major airport. Then participants were challenged to identify some of the uncertainties and possible solutions as airports seek to prepare for green technologies.
Key discussion points:
- What supporting infrastructure is needed and when?
- What charging capacity is needed to support electric flights?
- How do we organise for innovation?
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