In the fast-evolving world of aviation, few have made as bold an impression as Singapore’s Changi International Airport. As one of the most awarded airports, its name is synonymous with quality. The airport is well known for offering travelers an exceptional and innovative experience. Long lines at immigration? A distant memory. At Changi Airport, new immigration processes only take an average of 10 seconds per traveler, all while ensuring the highest standards of security. Underneath the glitz and glamour of this world-class airport, exists another facet of innovation, the airport's environmental efforts.
Over the past decade, the rise of a more economically empowered middle class has led to a rapid expansion of the civil aviation sector globally. A complete recovery in global passenger traffic was projected for 2024, with 9.4 billion passengers, and a consistent upward trend in the following years. This projection, while optimistic, also suggests a corresponding rise in air pollution, as the increased demand for air travel necessitates greater aviation activity levels, airport infrastructure activities, and ground service equipment. These pollution sources all add to aviation’s environmental footprint, primarily through the emission of harmful substances like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM), and black carbon (BC), which degrade air quality and pose a risk to human health. The risks are greatest for the people closest to these sources, such as airport staff, ground personnel, cabin crew, passengers and residents living nearby.
One of Changi Airport’s latest initiatives addresses the environmental and health concerns regarding emissions by prioritizing the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is a cleaner, renewable alternative to jet fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80% and is sustainably sourced from renewable waste and residue raw materials. SAF has been designed for seamless integration, allowing airlines to use it without requiring modifications to aircraft or infrastructure, making it easy to adopt. However, the production of SAF is considerably more expensive than conventional jet fuel, at about 3-5 times the cost.
As part of the airport’s commitment to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO)goal of achieving net zero by 2050, Changi Airport aims to achieve 1% SAF usage of total fuel by 2026, which requires all flights departing from Singapore to use SAF. The cost of SAF will be partially borne by passengers traveling through the airport, in the form of a levy. The levy imposed on each passenger will be determined by the distance of their journey and the cabin class selected, so that each passenger’s contribution is proportional to their environmental impact. In addition to current sources, there are ongoing efforts to develop alternative production methods of SAF, such as capturing carbon from the atmosphere; hence, a more competitive SAF market could be anticipated for the future.
For personnel who are disproportionately affected by the sources of air pollution at airports, however, extra measures have to be taken. Road traffic UFPM emissions, such as those from diesel-powered airside vehicles , have been associated with decreased lung function as a result of short-term exposure and neurological disorders with long-term exposure. In particular, BC makes up a significant proportion of UFPM released by aircraft and vehicle emissions. Within airport microenvironments, BC concentrations were highest on the aircraft during boarding and disembarkation, on the airport concourse and within a parked aircraft with open doors. Long-term, cumulative exposure to BC has been significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. This suggests that prolonged exposure to BC in the work environment poses a potential occupational health risk for airport airside personnel.
On this front, Changi Airport has targeted converting all airside vehicles from diesel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles by 2040. Airside electric vehicle chargers are gradually being installed to ensure infrastructure sufficiently supports this transition. Through close coordination, airlines and ground handlers are also working together to streamline operations and shortening aircraft taxi times, minimizing fuel combustion. However, more research needs to be done on how BC exposure affects personnel, quantitative assessments of the impact of these measures developed and the most effective solutions to protect personnel from exposure.
Collected rainwater pours down the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at the Shiseido Forest Valley, Jewel Changi Airport. (Cheryl Kam)
Apart from reducing its environmental impact through the reduction of emissions, adapting to climate change is one unique challenge for Changi Airport, as Singapore is a low-lying island especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat fatigue, and heat stroke, may result in multiple organ failure and have been found to increase one’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease and both acute and long-term neurological deficits. With rising global temperatures resulting in Singapore’s warmest decade yet in 2012 to 2021, it is crucial to implement strategies to prepare the personnel who spend most of their shift outdoors for the increasing heat, fostering a workplace culture that is both safe and heat resilient.
Several solutions have been implemented as part of Changi Airport’s heat stress management strategy. Newly installed outdoor pods allow personnel to enjoy a flow of cool air, lowering the risk of heat-related illnesses and increasing their comfort by keeping them dry. Additional basic amenities, like toilets and water coolers, have also been added so that personnel have easier and quicker access. Supplies that offer additional protection from the sun, such as portable fans and ultraviolet protective sleeves, are provided to personnel who work in unshaded areas and more rest breaks are given. Personnel are trained on the proper recognition and response to heat stress and heat stroke, allowing for a faster response to heat-related illnesses. New personnel are also put on heat acclimatization programs to ensure a positive and safe induction to their role.
As a leader in both aviation and sustainability, Changi Airport’s dedication to achieving the ambitious goal of a net-zero international aviation industry is evident as it continues to weave sustainable practices into its operations. Currently, Changi Airport sits at Level 3 (out of 5) on the Airport Carbon Accreditation certification program, and while this is an area of improvement to be made, expectations to level up are high for this airport. There is also the addition of a new airport terminal, Terminal 5, yet to be seen, but if the refurbishment of Terminal 2 is any indication, its outlook is positive. The reopening of Terminal 2 was punctuated with the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum award, a prestigious award intended for buildings with environmentally conscious practices incorporated into their design.
Sustainability in the air travel industry is a work in progress, but where there yet remains work to be done, Changi Airport is demonstrating that it is possible to prioritize the needs of a changing climate and still provide travelers with an exceptional experience.