Analysis of Environmental Sustainability Papers

This document provides an analysis of various papers related to environmental sustainability. It includes studies on the development of general sustainability indicators for renewable energy systems, economic, environmental, and social design and planning for supply chains, and social sustainability in trade and development policy. The papers also discuss the importance of finding a balance between economic and environmental sustainability, and how big data can support societal development and environmental sustainability.

Running head: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF HEATHROW AIRPORT
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF HEATHROW AIRPORT
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Authors Note

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In the current scenario, environmental management and economic progress is a very
complicated process that affects both the sustainability and quality of the society. It is important
to have a clear understanding for the multidisciplinary interrelationships between the
environment and sustainable development as per Scoones (2016). Major emphasis is placed on
the sustainable growth, globalization, sustainability and organizational performance. Sustainable
development is practiced by the organizations currently to improve the existing conditions of the
society. Heathrow airport is a leading international airport situated in London and practices
sustainable development for efficient environmental management (Heathrow.com, 2018). It is
regarded as the most crucial part of infrastructure that is required to maintain the regular
operation of the nation’s aircraft.
Major environmental and sustainable issues that are raised with relation to the operations
of Heathrow airport are energy consumption, noise issues, emissions and land use by the airport.
Heathrow airport has been continuously improving the organizational performances since last
few years. The company is emitting 37% less carbon than it previously emitted in the year 1990.
Heathrow airport needs to reduce its aircraft’s emission rate by 34% up to the end of year 2020
(Heathrow.com, 2018). The main challenge faced by the airport authority is to identify a
balanced approach so that productivity of the firm can be raised for increasing the potentials in
future. This also leads to minimize the negative environmental impact of the organization on the
other hand. While according to Adams et al., (2016) pollution from ground-service vehicles at
airport besides the aircraft emissions is a part of environmental burden for Heathrow airport.
In the recent times, environmental constraints and limits are implemented by the airport
so that the environmental costs related to aviation industry can be cut down. As per Mota et al.,
(2015) environmental capacities limit the amount of air traffic movement for cargo and people.

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The company also foster other related measurements that keeps the burdens of environment
below the defined limits. It is important to address the pollution issues and air quality concerns
raised by various operational activities in the airport. Different mechanism and solutions is
implemented by the airport so that the organization can effectively achieve sustainable
development as suggested by Hallstedt (2017). The solutions may range from using effective
technologies and procedures so that the aircrafts emissions at landings and takeoff can be greatly
reduced. The solution also ranges from using procedures and technologies. The sustainable
management of airport ranging from fleet to aircraft leads to improving the efficiency of
organization (Lozano et al., 2015). Moreover, use of alternative fuel sources for power heating
and ground support system is highly advisable. These strategies are highly beneficial for
minimizing emissions that are controlled by the airport operators.
Noise issues are another major problem that is faced by Heathrow airport. Aircraft
produces more noises during landing and take-off and is therefore considered to be a great
contributor of excessive noise problem. This is also one of the most fatal environmental
problems that need to be tackle by Heathrow airport. Moreover, the noise generated through the
ground access system within the airport that adds to the already existing problem leading to
excessive noise. According to Sands and Lee (2015) with respect to issues of excessive noise
within the vicinity of airports is a major concern for the airport. It is the duty of the organization
to reduce the excessive noise emissions and help the community with its effective plan.
Heathrow airport needs to find solutions such as application of new designs and
technologies, urban planning and restricting aircraft operational activities to some extent
(Strezov, Evans & Evans, 2017). Managing runaways and routes, night–time flights as well as
frequency of flights needs to be checked are few of the mitigating measures that can be applied

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to meet the prescribed limits and noise quotas. As per Schaltegger, Lüdeke-Freund and Hansen
(2016) to protect the local communities from the vicinity of Heathrow airport, applying curfews
and avoidance of noise emission during night can be few of the most practical way to handle the
issue. However, as per Pelletier et al., (2018) imposing restrictions on the airport’s night flight
and imposing curfew can lead to under utilization of Heathrow’s infrastructure. This is not
favorable with respect to economic viability and grow3th of the airport.
According to Neslen (2018) Heathrow airport’s does not only impact the environment
through noise and emission issues but the land used by the airport besides ground and waste
congestion are crucial factors that needs to be considered. It is important for the management to
take action so that impacts affecting the social and environmental life can be reduced. Heathrow
has created new sustainability plan that would represent the required change and adequate
strategy needed in future (scmp.com, 2016). The sustainability plans establishes the real and
long-term goals required by the organization that will reduce the negative impacts for reducing
negative affect so that positive change is delivered. The company’s focus is to creating such
environment that would create a remarkable and positive impact on its environment, community
and economy. Sustainable growth is one of the major priorities of Heathrow airport. As per Vidal
(2018) Heathrow’s sustainability rate is quite strong that would help the people the potentials of
the people to be a good citizen.
Heathrow 2.0 is the new or latest sustainability plan of the organization that was launched
in 2017. The plan represents the required set-change for its businesses and captures the
momentum required for industrial wide shift required for the sustainable future (Heathrow.com,
2018). The approach sets outs various goals required to guide the business in future and as an
expanded Heathrow. The plan establishes the policies and regulations to take major lead on

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climatic change and is an aspiration to make growth required for its recent runway carbon
neutral. The company is set on working with the airlines company so that noise can be reduced
and the air pollution is effectively tackled as per Westcott (2015). The organization creates
opportunities for all the sustainable business that believes to deliver a stronger future for UK.
According to the current environmental assessments and reports, harmful particular matters
containing NOx, HC, CO and Sox are emitted from aircrafts and directly affect the quality of air,
welfare and health of society.
Heathrow is the hub airport of UK that plays a vital role in helping the economy of the
country to thrive more efficiently. As per Neslen (2018) it focuses on developing business that
would connect with the ‘next economy’. This would lead to benefit more individuals to
experience higher benefits for people to gain sustainability in their lives and work. Heathrow’s
plan for carbon reduction is highly significant as all the major environment issues are considered.
The goal is to increase its connectivity through UK by applying reliable and sustainable routes
that would connect to more than 100 towns and cities by the year 2030. The negative impact on
the climate globally is a vital environmental issue that Heathrow faces as per Hacatoglu, Dincer
& Rosen (2015). The emissions arising from aircrafts leads to increase in several negative effects
on climate, air quality and ozone layer. Drastic changes are seen at both at ground level and at
altitude. The particles and gases that are emitted from the engines of the aircraft that causes
various harmful effects.
Heathrow airports play a crucial role in national and local economies. Community’s
opposition that is prompted through environmental concerns posed by Heathrow airport in the
form of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and aircraft noises. The airport though practices
sustainable development but it creates significant environmental costs and also impacts the

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locality where they are established as per Strezov, Evans & Evans, (2017). Primary
environmental issues that are related with the operational activities of Heathrow airports include
greenhouse gas emissions, land utilization, noise pollution, waste, land utilization and
congestion. As mentioned by Sands and Lee (2015) several solutions are also available to
address the environmental issues caused by Heathrow airports. This includes adoption and
implementation of new technology and procedures to obtain efficient outcome. One of the most
effective measures is Air Traffic Management. This increases the efficiency in the use of airport
and fuels that ultimately reduces harmful emissions and also mitigates noise emissions.
Growth of the airport is to be encouraged for the social and economic benefits they
provide to the people. Moreover the growth of Heathrow airport should be a green growth that
would not cause any negative impact to the environment (Caniglia et al., 2016). A balance
between the environmental concern and airports expansion is to be maintained by proper
research and careful analysis. The active participation and involvement for the local communities
in all the level of development, implementation of plan is very crucial for effective management
of Heathrow airport. As per Li et al., (2106) effective policy-making and regulation for
environmental sustainability of Heathrow airport requires major actions at both national and
international levels.
According to Sands and Lee (2015) adoption of national regulations would be an
effective decision while promoting the airport’s environmental sustainability. No actions should
be made on the decision-makers part that would result in escalation of adverse environmental
impacts that could be caused by the airport. Moreover it is significant to involve the local
communities while making decisions for the expansions of the airports. As recommended by
Song et al. (2017) the ground handling agent and operators should follow the ground power

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hierarchy while using airport terminal based PCA and FEGP. Mobile ground based power units
(GPUs) as well as air conditioning trucks should be used. It is important that the ground handling
agents, aircraft operators and authorities should coordinately work to ensure safety of the
passengers.
The operating crew should switch off the aircrafts main engines immediately when the
ground power becomes more available and is also safe to do so. While on stand, the aircrafts
present in Heathrow airport should be configured so that limited load is drawn. In flight
entertainment (IFE), Environmental Control System (ECS) and several unnecessary electrical
loading should be turned off. As suggested by Kourula, Pisani and Kolk (2017) welfare of the
passengers and consistent of safety is more important. Cabin blinds should always be shut up so
that the heat buildup can be reduced inside the aircraft during turnarounds at severely hot
locations. As mentioned by Trapp and Sarkis (2016), sufficient training is important for adequate
operation and usage of ground based facilities within the Heathrow airport.
Noise from airport industry can only reduced by laying strict regulatory constraints on
the amount of noise that is generated by the aircraft. Permission should be refused to all such
aircrafts, where noise level exceeds more that 66 decibel at daytime and 57 decibel at night time.
According to Hacatoglu, Dincer and Rosen (2015) Heathrow’s Noise Action Plan has set out all
the major impacts that will mitigate and manage the affects of aircraft noises that occurs during
landing, take off and ground roll. But on the other hand, as per Caniglia et al., (2016) Heathrow
is at forefront of all major international efforts so that noise can be easily tackled.
Sustainability is the backbone of any business and any organization that fails to practice
sustainability is destined to fail. In today’s society, balance should be maintained between the

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economic and environmental sustainability (Beynaghi et al., 2016). Heathrow airport has very
effectively practiced sustainable development within the organization. The environmental
sustainability of the airport is completely focused on the physical environment. Pollution is the
outcome of all discharge by the production inputs in the natural environment, thereby
representing inefficiency and waste. On the other hand, as per Baumgartner (2014) Heathrow
airport should practice corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. The CSR report that is
voluntarily adopted by the organization provides its clients, customers as well as other interested
parties a precise overview of all the environmental consequences.
Heathrow airport main approach in the recent times is reduction of carbon emissions. The
airport main goal is to operate a zero carbon airport. This involves reducing the carbon impacts
to zero level from all its targets related to energy, waste and water. As per Liu (2014) Heathrow
airport has been powered with complete 100% renewable electricity. The main goal of Heathrow
is increasing more UK access to the airport via sustainable means. As per the company’s
sustainability report the performance of Heathrow has adequately covered all the environmental
factors and its related solutions that are highly relevant for an airport (Heathrow.com, 2018).
Heathrow expansion is still a controversial subject for the government. Majority of
campaigners thinks that Heathrow’s expansion could further increase traffic pollution. All
around west London tiny tubes have posted on lampposts to monitor the levels of air pollution.
Moreover, this helps in measuring nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is the most poisonous gas that
is mostly produced by the aircraft diesel engines. As per Strezov, Evans and Evans (2017) the
major point is that whether expanding the airport or building another runway would lead to
breaking the EU pollution laws. On the other hand as mentioned by Vidal (2018), Heathrow
airport new runaway will not lead to increase the car numbers on the road and the condition of

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air pollution will not worsen in Central London as public transport access to Heathrow airport
will improve greatly.
Heathrow airport has implemented various strategies to attract more staff and consumers
for its public staff. Charging people to drop off by car, cheaper grain tickets and car sharing
would be more relevant. according to Westcott (2015) the airport claim that due to expansion no
more cars is to be allowed but the transport company claims that this could lead to rise to
additional 40,000 road journeys. On the other hand as per Vidal (2015) changes to terminal
assignments and flight schedules has further increased the use of transfer buses. Several steps are
taken to improve the method to track the auxiliary power units (APU) activity for high
performance. Heathrow’s APU is measured by manual surveys that only include a percentage of
Heathrow flights.
Ensuring effective sustainability of the airspace that Heathrow aircraft share is a major
concern as per Kourula, Pisani and Kolk (2017). One of the major strategies to reduce adverse
effect of Heathrow’s operational activities on environment is developing various operational
measures. This could easily be accomplished through developing operational measures that can
be accomplished by proper improvement of air traffic management services.
One of the crucial fuel saving opportunities arises from ATM system that allows more
effective conditions like speed, optimum altitude and direct routings. CO2 emissions would
reduce at a considerable rate due to shortening of routes. . Operational procedures and ATM can
therefore reduce the aviation fuel burn within 8% and 18% as per Schaltegger, Lüdeke-Freund &
Hansen (2016). Fuel efficiency by the usage of ATM operational procedure requires that
regulatory and institutional arrangements can be used at both international and national levels.

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Heathrow’s airport operational measures are considered to be highly effective and
quantifiable measures are used to minimize the aircraft emissions. Moreover, the ATM system
contribution helps in the environment protection both in the operation and implementation at
global level. This further encourages the plan for global air navigation. As per Hacatoglu, Dincer
& Rosen (2015) protection of communities and prevention of degradation of qualities of life
within the vicinities off Heathrow airport is to be conducted through a dynamic and outgoing
process.
According to Westcott (2015) regular, transparent and continuous assessment and
monitoring of the performance of the Heathrow airport with respect to the environmental factors
is a crucial part of the sustainability process. This therefore implies that checking the developed
disturbances that includes noise, wastage and congestion for a given time period were
implemented foreseen (Hallstedt, 2017). The results of reports and assessment should be easily
accessible and transparent so that trust of the local communities can be easily acquired and
maintained. Heathrow airport should demonstrate commitment to major green initiatives so that
the airports can improve their relationships with the local communities for future expansion.
Heathrow airport operations are mostly accompanied with social and economic benefits
required for the operators besides the community and society at large. With the growth of airport
the benefits for the individuals also increases. On the other hand, with the growth of airport,
environmental burden also increases that needed to be properly dealt with. Therefore the
consideration for sustainability or sustainable development is also highlighted. The vital role of
Heathrow airport to UK economy is significant and is also considered when deciding the
expansion plans and airport operations. Finally, it is important that the regulators and Heathrow

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airport operators chooses the best operational procedure. Supportive advanced technologies is
beneficial for achieving the goals and objectives of the Heathrow airport.

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