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The Top 5 Eco-Friendly Airports in the World

eco airports

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Air travel has revolutionized the way people used to travel long distance. Previously, people had to spend weeks and sometimes even months to cover long distances, but now cheap air travel has made it possible for people with strict budgets to travel to distant destinations. Unfortunately, flying can have its own disadvantages. Air travel is comfortable, but it is taking its toll on the environment.

With more awareness campaigns being launched by world’s leading environmental protection agencies, airports are finally going green. The use of recycling methods and the installation of renewable energy sources have been the main pillars of these initiatives. Here are five airports that have decided to tackle sustainable practices:

chicago
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Although considered one of the busiest airports in the world, Chicago O’Hare International Airport still transformed itself into an eco-friendly space. With the efforts of the Department of Aviation and local organizations, several initiatives have been taken to make it more environmentally friendly.

 New technology is used in recycling techniques, rain water harvesting, electric charging points, rooftop gardens and green vehicles. The center of attraction at the airport is the World’s Largest Bee Apiary and O’Hare Urban Garden. The bee apiary is home to over one million bees.

amsterdam
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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

The Schiphol Airport has opted for a very unique way to go eco-friendly. By arranging a creative and natural relaxing space for their guests, the airport park has become the perfect outdoor space that gives both an aesthetic and natural appeal to visitors.

sf
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San Franscisco International Airport (SFO)

Imagine an airport full of natural light that gives you a positive vibe and makes you feel good from inside out. This is what San Franscisco Airport’s Terminal 2 looks like. It is also the first airport in the United States to be honored with a LEED Gold Certification. Though construction results in lots of excess material, SFO has managed to recycle about 90 percent of its waste material.

The disposable system of the airport is unique because it requires all recyclable waste to be dumped separately. Even the food vendors at the airport are advised to make use of edible and organic cutlery and cups. The passengers are also provided with facilities to refill water bottles and cups, reducing the need to continually purchase plastic bottles.

detroit
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Detroit Airport

Just like any other airport, the Detroit airport also generates aircraft deicing fluid (i.e ADF) which is a common waste produced by most airports in the world.

Detroit airport is a global leader in ADF recycling. It has a record of recycling nearly one million gallons of fluid every winter. This has been their record for nearly a decade now. The recycled fluid is used in plastics, paint and other industrial activities, which saves them another $2 million annually. These practices are not just environmentally friendly, but cost efficient too.

denver
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Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport has gained the reputation of being an all-around green airport. It makes use of solar farms and has also been referred to as the greenest airport in U.S. The space makes use of the natural lighting, a recycling system and a hydrant system to deliver fuel to make it especially eco-friendly. Its solar farm has the capacity to generate 10 megawatts/16 kilowatt-hrs of electricity. This is enough to meet the demand of nearly 2600 Denver residences for one year. The farm also helps to curb excessive fuel consumption by providing environmentally-friendly modes of transport, including cab services that make use of hybrid vehicles.

Simmon Pierre

Hi, I am a travel blogger and a professional web designer. I love meeting new people and exploring the unexplored lands. Would like to connect with like minded people. ...(Read More)

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