The National Academies Press: Airport Environmental Research Roadmap Narrative Report (2020)

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Airport Environmental Research Roadmap Narrative Report

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ISBN 978-0-309-67481-2 | DOI 10.17226/25732
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GET THIS BOOK Mary Ellen Eagan, Katherine Preston, Jessica Spencer, HMMH and Damon Fordham,
Mia Stephens, The Cadmus Group LLC; Airport Cooperative Research Program;
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ACRP
Web-Only Document 45:
Airport Environmental Research Roadmap

Narrative Report
Mary Ellen Eagan

Katherine Preston
Jessica Spencer
HMMH
Burlington, MA
Damon Fordham
Mia Stephens
The Cadmus Group LLC
Arlington, VA
Contractor’s Final Report for ACRP Project 11-02, Task 32

Submitted November 2019
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work was sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It was conducted through the Airport Cooperative
Research Program (ACRP), which is administered by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Authors herein are responsible for the authenticity of their materials and for obtaining written permissions from publishers or
persons who own the copyright to any previously published or copyrighted material used herein.
Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) grants permission to reproduce material in this publication for classroom and not-for-
profit purposes. Permission is given with the understanding that none of the material will be used to imply TRB, AASHTO, FAA,
FHWA, FTA, GHSA, NHTSA, or TDC endorsement of a particular product, method, or practice. It is expected that those
reproducing the material in this document for educational and not-for-profit uses will give appropriate acknowledgment of the
source of any reprinted or reproduced material. For other uses of the material, request permission from CRP.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions and conclusions expressed or implied in this report are those of the researchers who performed the research. They
are not necessarily those of the Transportation Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine;
or the program sponsors.
The information contained in this document was taken directly from the submission of the author(s). This material has not been
edited by TRB.
Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

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COOPERATI VE RESEAR CH PROGRAMS
CRP STAFF FOR ACRP WEB-ONLY DOCUMENT 45

Christopher J. Hedges, Director, Cooperative Research Programs
Lori L. Sundstrom, Deputy Director, Cooperative Research Programs
Marci A. Greenberger, Manager, Airport Cooperative Research Program
Joseph D. Navarrete, Senior Program Officer
Hana Vagnerova, Senior Program Assistant
Eileen P. Delaney, Director of Publications
Natalie Barnes, Associate Director of Publications
Jennifer J. Weeks, Publishing Projects Manager
ACRP PROJECT 11-02/Task 32 PANEL

Field of Special Projects
Michael J. Cheyne, Future Directions, Fayetteville, GA (Chair)
Chris Baglin, Consultant, Alexandria, VA
Emily M. Conway, PepsiCo, Inc., Plano, TX
Jennifer D. Martin, North Carolina DOT, Raleigh, NC
Stephanie A. Morgan, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Jonathan D. Rubin, University of Maine, Orono, ME
Patrick W. Magnotta, FAA Liaison
Melinda Z. Pagliarello, Airports Council International – North America Liaison
Tim A. Pohle, Airlines for America Liaison
Christine Gerencher, TRB Liaison

Contents
SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 ROADMAP DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.4 RELATIONSHIP TO ACRP’S IDEAHUB .................................................................................................................................. 6
1.5 ROADMAP PRODUCTS........................................................................................................................................................... 7
2 REVIEW OF EXISTING RESEARCH ............................................................................................................. 8
2.1 TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD ................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2 FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................................................ 9
2.3 TRADE ASSOCIATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................10
2.4 OTHER SOURCES .................................................................................................................................................................10
3 RESEARCH TOPICS ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 SUSTAINABILITY....................................................................................................................................................................11
3.2 NOISE ....................................................................................................................................................................................16
3.3 AIR QUALITY AND EMISSIONS............................................................................................................................................19
3.4 RESILIENCY ...........................................................................................................................................................................21
3.5 WATER QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY .................................................................................................................................24
3.6 MONITORING AND REPORTING .........................................................................................................................................26
3.7 NATURAL RESOURCES .........................................................................................................................................................29
3.8 EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................................30
3.9 CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................................................32
4 IDEA IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITIZATION .................................................................................... 33
4.1 RESEARCH IDEA RANKING ..................................................................................................................................................34
5 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................................................... 35

Summary
The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) undertakes high-quality, applied research projects to
improve practice in the airport industry. The ACRP relies on input and cooperation from industry
stakeholders (such as airports, air carriers, trade associations, consultants, and state and local government
officials) to develop research problem statements and serve on project panels to direct the research.
While there is no shortage of research needs for the airport industry, there is often a lack of time for
practitioners to translate their challenges into research ideas and problem statements. In addition, most
practitioners do not have a complete picture of all the existing, ongoing, and planned research from
ACRP, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and academia. As a result, the ACRP undertook the
development of several research roadmaps to provide a vehicle for industry to collaborate in identifying
future research needs and knowledge gaps. The research roadmaps will help ACRP direct research funding
towards areas of greatest need and ensure the consistent supply of relevant problem statements.
ACRP project 11-02/Task 32, “Airport Environmental Research Roadmap”, outlines the key research gaps
and areas of interest for airports in the field environmental management and sustainability over the next
five years. The roadmap was developed through a review of relevant research and broad stakeholder
engagement with industry practitioners. The research ideas generated as part of this project are organized
into eight high-level themes, which represent the main categories of challenges facing airports in this field
presently and over the next several years. Based on the result of the outreach and literature review, 55
research ideas were generated and categorized into eight high-level themes. These themes are:
Sustainability Resiliency
Noise Monitoring and Reporting
Water Quality and Natural Resources

Availability
Air Quality and Emissions Emerging Technologies
The research ideas are further categorized into 16 sub-topics under existing or suggested IdeaHub tags.
The ideas contained in the Research Roadmap encompass a wide variety of themes and sub-topics
because stakeholders interviewed stressed that the nature of their work requires them to consider each of
these topics in developing their approach to conducting their day-to-day duties. Research ideas
contained in this roadmap will benefit from the insights of airport professionals in other areas of expertise
(e.g., planning, design, construction, operations, management, and human resources) given the
multidimensional nature of many of the research ideas presented on the roadmap.
The ideas in the roadmap are prioritized according to a set of criteria that mirrors the criteria used by
ACRP to rank submitted problem statements. The criteria are described in Section 4 of this report and are
as follows:
1) Avoidance of Duplicative Efforts

2) Applicability
3) Timeliness
4) Understandable and Implementable
Based on the prioritization criteria the following ideas received scores in the top 20 percent (the 12
highest ranked ideas):
Table 1: Twelve Highest Priority Environmental Research Ideas
Idea Rank Research Idea Title High-Level Theme
“Advancing Building Automation and Energy Management

1
Systems” Emerging Technology
2 “Environmental Research Roadmap Update”

Monitoring & Reporting
“Guidebook for Best Practices in Utilizing FAA’s AEDT for

3 Modeling and Reporting Noise and Air Quality Emissions
Air Quality & Emissions
from Aircraft Operations”
4 “Custom Climate Change Adaptation Tool”

Resiliency
“Utilizing Smart Buildings and Emerging Technologies to

5 Build a Comprehensive Monitoring and Reporting System
Emerging Technology
for Environmental Management”
“Evaluation of Airport Emissions within State

6
Implementation Plans” Air Quality & Emissions
7 “Evaluation of Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Outcomes” Natural Resources
8 “Integrating Airport and Community Resiliency Planning”

Resiliency
“Science-Based Targets for Greenhouse Gas Emissions at

9
Airports” Monitoring & Reporting
“Designing Resilient Infrastructure for an Uncertain Future:

9 (tie) Resiliency
When the 100 Year Storm Occurs Every 10 Years”
“Guidebook on Preparing Airport Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

11
Emissions Inventories” (update to existing product) Air Quality & Emissions
“Guidebook for Implementing Ground Support Equipment

11 (tie)
Electrification at Airports” Air Quality & Emissions

The goal of this project was to develop a five-year prioritized Research Roadmap that identifies gaps in
knowledge and research ideas in the area of airport environmental management. The intent is for the
individual research ideas included in on the roadmap to serve as starting points for development into
complete problem statements by industry practitioners. Based on this objective, recommendations for this
Research Roadmap are as follows:
1) The Research Roadmap should be used to inform the ACRP Oversight Committee (AOC) of
industry needs as they consider submitted problem statements for research funding over the next
three to five years; and
2) ACRP should consider updating the Research Roadmap periodically. This may include identifying
which ideas have been selected for funding, adding new ideas to address new challenges, revise
or remove research ideas that are no longer relevant or necessary. The entire roadmap should be
updated every 5 years.
The completed “Airport Environmental Research Roadmap” consists of the following files:
1) Narrative Research Roadmap report (this document)
2) Research Ideas Database (Separate Excel file labeled Attachment A)
3) Graphical representation of the roadmap (static version in Attachment B, interactive version
available on ACRP’s website: http://www.trb.org/ACRP/ACRP.aspx).
Organization of the Narrative Research Roadmap report:
• Section 1 – Introduction. This section provides an overview of the project and the Interim
Deliverables.
• Section 2 – Review of Existing Research. This section describes the literature review process
and sources.
• Section 3 – Research Topics. This section describes the high-level themes identified during
the research as well as the more than 50 research ideas developed from stakeholder input and
literature review.
• Section 4 – Idea Prioritization. This section describes the research prioritization criteria and
process, including the Project Panel survey.
• Section 5 – Summary of Stakeholder Outreach. This section contains a summary of the
stakeholder outreach, the stakeholders included, the number of outreach events and delivery
method. This section also includes lessons learned and opportunities for improvement in future
road-mapping efforts.
• Attachment A – Research Idea Database. Separate Excel file.
• Attachment B – Draft Visual Research Roadmap. Separate PDF and Tableau files.

1 Introduction
1.1 Project Description
The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) is a research program of the Transportation Research
Board (TRB), which is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS). Now
over a decade old, the ACRP is an “industry-driven applied research program that develops near term,
practical solutions to problems faced by airport operators.” 1 The FAA sponsors ACRP. ACRP was
developed to investigate problems not currently being addressed by other federal research programs, and
has developed a reputation for excellence in research since its inception in 2006, largely attributable to its
focus on collaboration with industry practitioners.
The ACRP relies on input and cooperation from industry practitioners, such as airports, FAA
representatives, air carriers, trade associations, consultants, academic researchers, and state and local
government officials, to develop research problem statements and serve on project panels to direct the
research. Over the past 12 years, ACRP has published (and/or is in the process of developing) over 400
research reports, synthesis reports, legal digests, and web-based tools based on the interests and input of
industry practitioners.
The ACRP has undertaken the development of research roadmaps in its ten major research areas. The
primary aim of these roadmaps is to “identify gaps in knowledge and practice, uncover key opportunities
and challenges, and outline and prioritize specific research ideas needed to address these gaps.” A core
component of a Research Roadmap is the development and production of research ideas to populate
ACRP’s IdeaHub (the online collaboration platform that allows people to team in creating problem
statements for funding consideration by ACRP). The objective of this project was to develop a five-year
Airport Environmental Research Roadmap (ACRP Project number 11-02 Task 32).
As part of the approach, the research team worked with industry practitioners and the Project Panel to
develop over 50 research ideas during the project. The ideas were prioritized using a set of criteria
described in Section 4.2 of this report. To facilitate this process, the research team conducted a review of
how other institutions prioritize research needs, including ACRP’s own process for prioritizing submitted
problem statements, which informed the set of criteria selected for the roadmap. These criteria were
applied to determine the relative priority of the ideas compared to one another and are listed below and
described in detail in Section 4:

2) Applicability
3) Timeliness
During the stakeholder outreach process, the research team solicited information from the industry
regarding research gaps and major environmental priorities at airports. The research team expanded the
original six high-level themes of Noise, Water Quality and Availability, Air Quality and Emissions, Natural
1 Transportation Research Board website, accessed March 10, 2018. http://www.trb.org/ACRP/ACRP.aspx

Resources, Sustainability, and Resiliency to eight, adding Emerging Technology and Monitoring and
Reporting to round out the high-level themes for the Research Roadmap.
An overview of the roadmap development process is described in Section 1. Section 2 provides a

summary of the Literature Review, sources identified and a high-level summary of findings and
preliminary knowledge gaps. Section 3 provides the research topics identified through the literature
review as well as the stakeholder engagement. Research prioritization criteria are summarized in Section 4
and a list of stakeholders consulted throughout the process is included in Section 5.
The deliverables for the “Airport Environmental Research Roadmap” consists of the following products:
1) The Narrative Research Roadmap Report (this document)

2) The Research Idea Database (Attachment A – Excel database)
3) The Visual Research Roadmap (Attachment B and located online at
http://www.trb.org/ACRP/ACRP.aspx
1.2 Project Background

The airport industry has always faced a variety of challenges, problems and opportunities in the field of
airport environmental management (for the purposes of this report, airport environmental also includes
sustainability and resiliency). Current trends in the development of renewable energy resources,
sustainable aviation biofuels, and zero emissions and waste initiatives, as well as new technologies provide
new opportunities for airports to improve their environmental performance beyond what was possible in
the past. Some challenges, like noise annoyance and air pollutant emissions, have persisted over time,
while others are more recent challenges, such as accommodating electric vehicles. In order to maintain a
steady supply of high-quality research ideas to address these opportunities and challenges, ACRP has
undertaken the development of strategic research roadmaps in its identified topic areas. This project –
ACRP Project 11-02/Task 32, “Airport Environmental Research Roadmap” – is part of ACRP’s strategic
effort to improve the development of research problem statements.
The outcome of this project is a five-year prioritized Research Roadmap that identifies gaps in knowledge
and research ideas in the area of airport environmental management. The Airport Environmental Research
Roadmap enables industry practitioners to develop problem statements and assist the AOC in selecting
projects for funding. The Research Roadmap is designed for broad distribution on the web, and via
ACRP’s online platform for the collaborative development of research statements, the IdeaHub. The Visual
Research Roadmap is built in Tableau® as this software allows for easy export to the web in order to
embed the Research Roadmap on ACRP websites.
The Airport Environmental Research Roadmap considers the main environmental challenges relevant to
airport practitioners today, as well as challenges expected to emerge over the next several years. It
categorizes the ideas into several high-level themes, and relevant subcategories in alignment with
IdeaHub tags. IdeaHub has approximately 30 topics identified as “tags” that practitioners can select when
entering a research idea or problem statement into the portal. Tags include subjects such as sustainability,
human resources, customer experience, airport planning, etc., and allow users to more easily search for
relevant and related ideas across multiple research fields.

The list of high-level themes is as follows:
Sustainability Resiliency
Noise Monitoring and Reporting
Water Quality and Availability Natural Resources
Air Quality and Emissions Emerging Technologies
The intent is for the individual research ideas to serve as starting points for development into complete
problem statements. The roadmap provides the reader with an understanding of the main topics of
interest in this field and key knowledge gaps.
1.3 Roadmap Development

The roadmap was developed through an extensive review of the current body of research, and input from
industry practitioners. First, a thorough review of existing and planned research in this topic area was
completed to understand what information is currently (or soon to be) available, and where knowledge
gaps exist. ACRP and other TRB cooperative research programs have conducted a large number of studies
over the past several years. The research team reviewed those studies that were published within the past
five to six years and relevant to this field, but considered older content as well. In addition, the FAA has a
significant body of research relevant to airport environmental issues. The research team has also taken
advantage of other governmental organizations, trade associations, and sources that are considered ‘non-
traditional’ in airport research, including organizations like the International Facility Management
Association (IFMA) and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). The literature review process and
results are described in Section 2.
Second, input from industry practitioners was gathered to capture the current and emerging
environmental challenges for airports of all sizes. During the development of the roadmap, a diverse set of
airport practitioners, consultants, service providers, airlines, academic and industry researchers, and
government officials were interviewed and surveyed in order to gather information about issues of
concern. The roadmap is a reflection of the common themes and ideas generated during the stakeholder
engagement process. The stakeholder process is described in Section 5.
The primary audience for this Research Roadmap includes airport industry practitioners, ACRP leadership
and staff, the AOC, airlines, consultants, and regulators. The expected outcome of this project is that the
roadmap will be used by industry to develop problem statements for impactful research projects over the
next five years and into the future.
1.4 Relationship to ACRP’s IdeaHub

The need for a consistent supply of high-quality research ideas fueled the development of ACRP’s
Research Roadmap projects and provided the foundation ACRP’s IdeaHub. IdeaHub is ACRP’s online
platform for problem statement development, which allows users to effectively collaborate on ideas, vote

on preferred research topics, and follow the process from start to finish in a transparent manner (IdeaHub
can be accessed here: https://ideahub.trb.org/). Both IdeaHub and the various Research Roadmaps share
the common goal of identifying current and emerging challenges in the airport industry and converting
these challenges into problem statements to guide future research funding.
A key observation that members of the research team made during the development of other ACRP
Research Roadmaps is that many emerging challenges span multiple areas of an airport’s business and
operational areas. This resulted in the development of multidimensional research ideas that apply to
multiple lines of business within an airport. Many ideas generated during the development of the Airport
Operations and Maintenance and Design and Construction Research Roadmaps have a nexus to topics on
the Airport Environmental Research Roadmap, as well as on other roadmaps, such as Policy and Planning,
and Human Resources. These ideas would therefore benefit from the perspectives of a diverse set of
industry practitioners for development into full problem statements. As an online platform for the
collaborative development of problem statements, IdeaHub can enable cross-discipline review of ideas.
ACRP staff can also consider proactively encouraging cross-discipline problem statement development
through communication with IdeaHub users directly and indirectly through the industry associations. The
goal is for the online platform and the parallel development of the Research Roadmaps to result in
research projects that span multiple disciplines.
1.5 Roadmap Products

ACRP Project 11-02 Task 32 includes three final products: the Narrative Report (this document), the
Research Idea Database, and the Visual Research Roadmap.
The Research Idea Database is a searchable Excel file, included as Attachment A, and contains all ideas
generated during the project. The database is searchable and sortable by a number of categories, which
include high-level theme, IdeaHub Tag(s), related research (existing or ongoing research), and idea rank.
The static version of the Visual Research Roadmap is included as Attachment B to this report and the
interactive version is available via Tableau Public. 2 The Visual Roadmap allows users to see the distribution
of the research ideas over a five-year timeline, organized by high-level theme and IdeaHub tags, and to
understand the relationships between the themes and topics. By hovering over each research idea icon on
the Visual Roadmap, users can read the research idea title, background information and objective. The
placement of research ideas on the timeline indicates the relative priority of ideas to one another, and
does not suggest that ideas should be research in specific years.
2 The link for the interactive roadmap is as follows:
https://public.tableau.com/views/ACRPResearchRoadmapAirportEnvironmental/ACRPAirportEnvironmentalResearchRoadmap.

2 Review of Existing Research

The research team conducted an initial review of existing, on-going, and planned research from a variety
of sources. An important source of research relating to the area of airport environmental management
and sustainability is ACRP itself. In addition to ACRP, other TRB cooperative research program publications
were reviewed. Federal agencies and their research partners have also conducted a significant body of
research on environmental topics (either directly or indirectly related to airports), particularly the FAA.
The FAA conducts research through their Technical Center, and indirectly, through university Centers of
Excellence. Many lines of business within FAA have their own research roadmaps, including the Office of
Airports, the Air Traffic Organization, and the Office of Environment and Energy. The research team
reviewed strategic plans of industry trade organizations, some international sources, academic institutions,
and non-traditional stakeholders like 100 Resilient Cities, World Health Organization (WHO), and ISI.
The following list includes the main sources of information for the literature review:
• TRB publications;
• Federal agencies, specifically the FAA, and their associated research partners (like ASCENT) and
the EPA;
• Strategic plans and publications of related industry trade organizations (i.e. ACI-NA, AAAE, and
ACC);
• International airport industry research (such as from international airports, the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and other countries’ civil aviation authorities);
• Academic journals and institutions;
• Regional airport associations and individual airport publications; and
• Relevant publications from trade organizations and federal agencies that serve as a means for
identifying the main goals and priorities of those respective organizations, (not necessarily
limited to airport environmental issues).
The research team identified a large body of academic research on environmental issues but focused on
topics most relevant to airports. In total, 127 relevant resources were reviewed and included in the
literature review. These sources were organized by high-level topic and sub-topic areas under existing or
suggested IdeaHub tags. This assisted in the identification of areas that have already been well covered by
existing research and areas that have not.
2.1 Transportation Research Board

Out of 127 total sources reviewed, ACRP publications or ongoing projects account for the majority
included in the literature review database. ACRP Research Field 2: Environmental was a particular focus of
the research team. This research field contained 88 projects that were published, in progress, or planned
(at the time of the review), excluding publications produced by the ACRP Synthesis, Legal Digest, and
other subprograms.
The research team focused on ACRP projects published within the past five to six years, although older
research was also reviewed. Some older ACRP publications (pre-2013) cover similar topics to the research

ideas proposed for inclusion on this current roadmap. In those cases, an update to the prior research is
warranted to cover new developments in the field, technologies and best practices.
In addition to published research and ongoing projects, the research team reviewed the 2015 report to
AOC, titled “Taking Inventory of ACRP Research and the Next Challenges Facing the Airport Industry” as
well as the “ACRP Environmental Inventory and Proposed Problem Statements” developed by HMMH in
2015. That project was a preliminary review of environmental issues of interest in the 2014-2015
timeframe. This roadmap expands on that effort and includes more stakeholder input. These documents
provided additional information regarding research gaps and specific topics identified under each high-
level theme in Section 3. 3
2.2 Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA submits their National Aviation Research Plan (NARP) to Congress annually, outlining their
strategic Research Plan and vision for the National Airspace System (NAS). The most recent version of the
NARP is from 2016 (2017 and 2018 are not yet published). In the FAA’s 2016 NARP, 4 the agency outlined
three central principles that guide their research and development (R&D) portfolio:
1) Improve aviation safety

2) Improve efficiency
3) Reduce environmental impacts
The FAA planned to invest $400 million in fiscal year 2017 on research programs 5 across its various lines
of business based on these three overarching principles. The R&D funding is distributed across several
divisions or accounts within the FAA, including approximately $167 million in Research, Engineering and
Development; $189 million in Facilities and Equipment; and $46 million in the Airport Improvement
Program (AIP). The NARP was used throughout the course of this project to confirm if the FAA is currently
funding research ideas generated by the stakeholder outreach process and identify areas that are not
being funded by FAA, making them appropriate for ACRP funding.
Other FAA resources identified and reviewed by the research team include publicly available meeting
minutes of the Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC). The REDAC is
comprised of representatives from airports, airlines, manufacturers, and the academic community. The
REDAC meets biannually to review FAA’s research portfolio and provide input on how the agency should
prioritize future research and development spending. This source provided further insight into research
currently underway by the FAA.
3 ACRP. Taking Inventory of ACRP Research and the Next Challenges Facing the Airport Industry. 2015.
https://www.nap.edu/download/22452
ACRP. ACRP Environmental inventory and Proposed Problem Statements. 2015
4 Subsequent to the completion of the literature review and draft Narrative Report, the FAA published the 2017-2018 NARP in June
2019. The three strategic priorities that guide FAA’s research and development efforts are identified in that document as Safety,
Infrastructure and Innovation. The 2017-2018 NARP can be accessed at:
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/offices/tc/about/campus/faa_host/RDM/media/pdf/2017_2018NAR
P.pdf
5 FAA National Aviation Research Plan, Report to Congress, 2016

The research team reviewed research projects under various FAA Centers of Excellence and research
centers, including ASCENT and PARTNER, and the William J. Hughes Tech Center specifically related to
NextGen, noise, Sustainable Aviation Jet Fuels (SAJFs), air quality, supersonic airplanes, and noise
modeling. 6 The team consulted documentation intended to inform items in the FAA’s Advisory Circular
pipeline, and industry trends. For example, the FAA’s Report to Congress on the “National Plan of
Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) 2017-2021” outlines the amounts and types of airport development
projects eligible for AIP grant funding over the next five years. The report highlights that AIP-eligible
projects are expected to increase at small hub airports, while they will decrease for large and medium
hubs. A recent focus on capacity-enhancing projects is waning while there is growing interest in terminal
development and rehabilitation projects.
2.3 Trade Associations

The research team reviewed publications from airport industry trade associations. Two publications in
particular were relevant, ACI-NA’s “Airport Infrastructure Needs: 2017-2021” report and Airport Consultant
Council (ACC)’s “Trends in U.S. Airport Development: A Summary Look at Future Trends and
Opportunities”. Both reports were published in 2017 and contain an overview of needs in the airport
industry over the next five years. These reports align with the results found in the 2017 NPIAS Report from
FAA in their findings that terminal development or rehabilitation projects and other types of building
infrastructure (parking, rental car facilities, etc.) will likely dominate in the near term as capacity projects
(runways, taxiways) slow down. The research team also reviewed airport environmental-specific sources
from trade associations, like ACI-NA’s publication on pollution reduction, titled “Reducing Pollution
Associated with Aircraft Deicing Activities.” 7
2.4 Other Sources

The research team identified various international agencies and organizations for the initial literature
review including the ICAO, the WHO, the World Bank, Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) Better Life Initiative, and the UK Airports Commission. Academic sources include
those identified in academic journal publications as well as publications from specific universities. Airport
publications included several sustainability management plans or sustainability guidance documents from
airports. Non-traditional sources identified and reviewed for the literature review include 100 Resilient
Cities, IFMA, the ISI, and the Florida Airports Council (FAC).
6 FAA Technical Center, “Airport Technology Research Program”, 2012

7 https://www.aci-na.org/content/industry-deicing-voluntary-pollution-reduction-program
10

3 Research Topics
After conducting the literature review and stakeholder outreach, the research team identified several
research gaps, which were developed into more than 50 individual research ideas. This section describes
the research ideas categorized into the eight high-level themes: Sustainability, Noise, Water Quality and
Availability, Air Quality and Emissions, Resiliency, Monitoring and Reporting, Natural Resources, and
Emerging Technology. Additional information on each of the research ideas presented below (such as
priority rank, related research titles and IdeaHub tags) can be found in the accompanying Research Idea
Database (Excel file Attachment A). The research ideas are listed by priority within each high-level theme
below. The themes in turn are listed in order with those that have the greatest number of research ideas
first, followed by themes with fewer research ideas.
3.1 Sustainability
Sustainability related topics have been of great interest to the airport industry over the last
several years, and ACRP has conducted significant research in this area (funding more than 20
sustainability related projects). At a high level, sustainability entails balancing the three
traditional components (environment, economy, and society) so that one is not prioritized at the expense
of the other two. Airports have adapted this definition to better accommodate their industry, by adding a
fourth component, operational efficiency. Many airports have integrated this definition, or the EONS
model (Economic vitality, Operational efficiency, Natural resource conservation, and Social responsibility)
into their master planning processes or developed stand-alone sustainability management plans (SMPs).
Funding from the FAA helped expand the implementation of these programs through their SMP Pilot
Program. Airports are also interested in sustainability topics due to financial or natural resource
constraints, expectations from their community, leadership and stakeholders, or regulatory requirements.
Airports that have made significant strides in

developing sustainability initiatives often seek to
continuously improve their performance, and look to
other industries for inspiration and lessons learned.
Airports that are just beginning their sustainability
journey often look to ACRP reports for guidance and
rely on these products being up to date with relevant
information. Sustainability management is a dynamic
field, constantly evolving and changing as new
technologies, methodologies, rating systems and
best practices are discovered. This theme
encompasses a broad range of research ideas,
although most sustainability topics contained in this
roadmap are focused more on environmental and
social components. Topics include evaluating
sustainability rating and certification systems, Figure 1: Airport sustainability is defined as
preparing for fleet electrification, the pursuit of net Economic Vitality, Operational Efficiency, Natural
zero energy and zero waste goals, employee wellness Resource Conservation, and Social Responsibility,
and onboarding guides, enhancing collaboration otherwise known as the EONS model.
between airports and airlines on sustainability efforts
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and addressing alternative modes of transportation. Sustainability is anticipated to remain an important

topic over the course of the roadmap.
Specific research topics include:
• Roadmap to Achieve Zero Waste at Airports (Idea Rank: 13) – Along with zero energy and
zero carbon emissions, zero waste is a concept that has been gaining interest within the airport
environmental community. There have been a number of ACRP and FAA documents in recent
years developed to assist airports in reducing waste from construction, operations and in
terminals. However, recycling has become more challenging and less economically feasible
recently due to China’s new National Sword Policy, which means that China no longer accepts
recycled materials from the U.S. due to contamination issues. As a result, the imperative to
reduce waste at the source has grown. Airports have worked to reduce waste and increase
recycling for years, but additional information on how airports can achieve zero waste is
needed, particularly through composting of organic waste, reducing waste through smarter
procurement, and working with tenants and concessionaires to reduce their waste as well. The
objective of this research is to develop a guidebook and a methodology or process for airports
to develop a roadmap to achieve zero waste. The roadmap should outline what projects or
enabling projects airports can take in a phased approach.
• Waste Management Communications throughout the Airport System (Idea Rank: 16) -
Developing a comprehensive communications system for effectively implementing waste
management systems on the ground for tenants of the airport (i.e., those stakeholders
operating at the airport beyond the direct control of the airport operator) has emerged as a
need for airports as they try to manage waste streams. Sorting, composting, and diverting
waste to the proper channels throughout the operational chain is increasingly important as
airports are reporting waste in annual sustainability reports and setting goals in SMPs. A need
has been expressed for effective ways to communicate waste management to the 'boots on the
ground' level to execute waste management plans developed by airport environmental staff.
The objective is to build off Synthesis 92 to develop training and communications materials and
best practices for waste management systems and develop a comprehensive strategy through
the implementation of a pilot program at an airport.
• Guidebook for Selecting Sustainable Materials (Idea Rank: 16 tie) – Research is needed to
develop a comprehensive resource for architects, interior designers, engineers, builders, and
airport operators to help them in selection of sustainable materials for new construction or
renovation of existing facilities, with an emphasis on how to calculate embedded GHG
emissions. The research will also examine and evaluate tracking technologies and life-cycle cost
accounting for materials. The objective of this research is to create a comprehensive resource
for selecting new construction/renovation materials for airport facilities, including utilization of
tracking technology for materials and evaluation of embedded energy and GHGs of various
materials.
• Guidebook for Implementing Public Electric Vehicle Charging at Airports (Idea Rank: 16
tie) – As consumer and industry adoption of electric vehicles increases, guidance on charging
infrastructure requirements is needed. Research will provide guidance on topics including:
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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. This project should also include information on
regulatory considerations such as cooperative charging stations and revenue diversion. The
research may also examine EV charging infrastructure at off-airport parking facilities to assess
impacts to airports EV charging plans. The objective is to produce an ACRP guidebook and
associated tools to help airports plan and implement EV charging stations.
• The Costs and Benefits of Designing for Net Zero Energy (Idea Rank: 22) - Some airports are
setting goals for new facilities to be "net zero" energy - that is, the average annual energy
consumption for the building to operate is equal to the amount of energy produced on site (or
in some definitions, renewable energy produced offsite but 'owned' by the airport). This is an
emerging practice area and there are few examples in the airport industry to look to for best
practices and cost estimates. Organizations like the International Living Futures Institute have
developed certification standards for "net zero" energy buildings and overall net zero buildings
(Living Building Challenge), but the majority of projects seem to be smaller commercial /office
buildings and residential, rather than large infrastructure facilities like airports. This research
project would look to examples in other industries and facilities that have similar characteristics
to airport buildings and provide an overview of the level of effort, design techniques, trade-
offs, cost benefit analysis required to achieve net zero energy. The objective of this research is
to determine best practices and cost estimates for airport facilities to achieve net zero energy,
including an overview of the level of effort, design techniques, trade-offs, and cost benefit
analysis.
• Access for Active Modes of Transportation (Idea Rank: 27) - Encouragement of alternative
forms of transportation (other than personal vehicles) to, from, and within the airport is
important in order to minimize traffic and reduce emissions. While some airports are located
within walking distance of office parks and public transit infrastructure, most airports cannot be
accessed by pedestrians and bicyclists. The advent of new technologies like e-scooters and e-
bikes is proving very popular in cities and can extend threshold travel distances for these
modes to/from and within airports. Guidance is needed for airports to consider these modes in
their master planning efforts, and potential strategies to collaborate with adjacent communities
to benefit from these new modes of transportation. The objective of this research is to provide
guidance for airports in integrating active modes of transportation to and from the airport into
the master planning process.
• Employee Onboarding Environmental Guidebook (Idea Rank: 31) - Airport environmental
issues can be complex, specific to the airport, and costly if not managed properly. It is therefore
important for airport employees, particularly new employees or those without an
environmental technical background, to be knowledgeable on the requirements and
environmental programs at the airport. Airport environmental achievement and sustainability is
an organization-wide effort, especially for things like waste management. Providing guidance
to employees as soon as they are hired will allow communication of environmental policies in a
more efficient manner and will give current employees a resource to refresh. Research is
needed to develop guidance for new employee onboarding with respect to environmental
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laws, regulations, and programs at the airport. The objective pf this research is to develop an
employee onboarding guidebook for environmental procedures and policies at an airport.
• Passenger Behavior and Sustainability (Idea Rank: 39) - Airports have expressed interest in
the development of a tool for assessing passenger behavior in relation to supporting
sustainable goods and services. A better understanding of customer spending habits as they
relate sustainable goods and services could lead to more (or different types of) sustainable
products being offered on site. This would enhance airport revenue and provide motivation for
tenants and concessionaires to offer more sustainable items in the terminal. The objective of
this research is to provide a resource to airports to understand the economic behavior of
passengers in relation to sustainable goods and services offered at the airport.
• Methods for Accelerating the Deployment and Offsetting the Costs of Sustainable
Aviation Jet Fuels (Idea Rank: 40) - The aviation industry has successfully deployed Sustainable
Aviation Jet Fuels (SAJFs) on a number of commercial flights over the past several years, and
several production pathways have been approved, with more expected in the near future. While
the economics are not currently favorable for the large-scale production of SAJF, there is a
strong desire on the part of airlines, airports, and manufacturers to continue working towards
commercial scale production and deployment of these fuels in order to meeting ambitious
industry goals of carbon emission reductions. This is especially important in coming years as
ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) goes into
effect. Some airports have recently developed partnerships with stakeholders to investigate
innovative approaches to accelerating deployment of these fuels on site. Research is needed to
assess the effectiveness of public-private partnership models or other innovative approaches to
achieve the goal of providing SAJFs to airlines on site.
This research can investigate industry examples, such as the Port of Seattle's recent project with
the Rocky Mountain Institute as well as partnerships from other industries that may contain
relevant lessons learned that could be applied at airports. The objective is to identify and assess
methods for accelerating the deployment of SAJFs on site and offsetting their costs.
• Using the Procurement and Contracting Process to Advance Environmental and
Sustainability Goals (Idea Rank: 42) - As reported in ACRP Synthesis 42, airports are large
consumers of goods and services, and have the opportunity to enable or require sustainability
performance improvements through the contracting process. There are many types of airport
contracts, and each can be leveraged by airports to improve compliance with regulations,
facilitate innovative economic, environmental, and social sustainability initiatives, and improve
overall performance. The airport contract types that provide the most opportunity to make a
difference to an airports sustainability performance include design and construction contracts,
concessions and tenant lease agreements, and janitorial service contracts. Examples of contract
and procurement language was included in this prior report. This synthesis was developed in
2011- 2012. It reported that the practice of using the contracting and procurement processes
to require and enforce sustainable practices was in the early stages at that time. As a result, this
topic warrants an update to see what new and improved practices have evolved since the
publication of that synthesis. For example, more airports are looking to enhance their diversity,
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inclusion, and other social sustainability initiatives, which was not as much of a focus several
years ago. The objective of this project is to update Synthesis 42 with more examples and case
studies of airport contracts and procurement practices to drive sustainability performance, with
the additional consideration of inclusion, diversity and other social initiatives addressed in the
contracting/procurement process.
• Net Zero Greenfield versus Net Zero Brownfield – What Really is Possible? (Idea Rank: 44)
- Advances in technology and materials has allowed what was once considered impossible to
be possible - the development of "net zero energy" buildings. Net Zero energy buildings
consume less energy than they create on an average annual basis. Some airports, (ex. SFO) are
trying to develop net zero facilities, but are starting with new construction (as opposed to
retrofitting existing buildings). Research is needed to understand what is possible with
technology and materials available for achieving net zero for both new buildings and existing
facilities. The objective of this research is to develop guidance on the implementation and
application of technology and materials available for achieving net zero energy, for both new
buildings and existing facilities. This guidance should take into account state and local
regulations and limitations.
• Employee Wellness Guidebook (Idea Rank: 48) - Employee health and wellness has
traditionally been a concern for airport HR departments, but is increasingly considered as part
of comprehensive airport sustainability initiatives. Airports have identified a need for an
employee wellness guidebook. The intent of a guidebook would be to assist airports to
implement quality of life measures for airport employees, as well as give them the ability to
track progress on employee wellness goals.
• Identifying Interactions between Airline and Airport Sustainability Activities (Idea Rank:
52) - As national and international stakeholders, airlines have enterprise-wide sustainability
programs and environmental goals. Airports have location-specific environmental and
sustainability goals. While airports and airlines often work together to implement sustainability
initiatives at the airport, occasionally the goals and objectives of the airport and airlines do not
align. In addition, airlines often have shorter return on investment (ROI) requirements than
airports for projects, which can make the economics of sustainability projects challenging to
justify. As airports and airlines set more ambitious goals, for example regarding reduction in
carbon emissions (becoming a carbon neutral airport or net zero facility for airports, and
achieving carbon neutral growth from 2020 for the aviation industry), coordination is needed to
support these entities' goals. Guidance is needed for airports and airlines to align their differing
ROI requirements and planning horizons, in order to better facilitate all stakeholders
sustainability goals. The objective of this research is to provide guidance on how airports and
airlines can improve coordination of their sustainability activities to enable greater success in
meeting respective goals.
• Biomimicry Design Concepts for Sustainable and Resilient Airport Facilities (Idea Rank: 54)
- According to the Biomimicry Institute, biomimicry is "an approach to innovation that seeks
sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and
strategies. The goal is to create products, processes, and policies—new ways of living—that are
15

well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul". Essentially, biomimicry involves applying the
forms and functions found in nature to improve the built environment, materials and products
and design. An example of biomimicry is the Eastgate office complex built by Arup Associated
in Harare, Zimbabwe. The ventilation system of the building was inspired by the structure of
termite mounds. As a result, that building uses 90% less energy for cooling than conventional
buildings (Biomimicry Institute). A synthesis project to highlight other examples of how this
concept has been applied at airports or similar facilities and the results (from an environmental
benefit and cost savings perspective) would be informative for the airport industry. The
objective of this project would be to develop a collection of case studies on biomimicry-
inspired designs for buildings, transportation systems, products or processes that are
applicable to airports, including an assessment of the benefits of these projects compared to
conventional design. The objective of this project would be to develop a collection of case
studies on biomimicry-inspired designs for buildings, transportation systems, products or
processes that are applicable to airports, including an assessment of the benefits of these
projects compared to conventional design.
3.2 Noise
Noise has historically been, and remains, a significant environmental issue for airports and their
communities. Although aircraft engine and airframe technologies have gotten quieter in the
past several decades, and the number of people exposed to “significant” aviation noise (greater
than DNL 65 dB as defined by the FAA) has decreased, the implementation of NextGen resulted in altered
flight paths and created controversy and opposition. Technological advances like smartphone apps that
allow community members to submit noise complaints with the touch of a button have resulted in
increased complaints at some airports.
Other new technologies include unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), which are anticipated to proliferate
with unknown consequences for community noise annoyance. Recent research examining the health
impacts of noise on communities has heightened awareness as well. Noise is anticipated to remain a
significant area of interest to airport stakeholders over the course the five-year Research Roadmap.
Specific research topics identified include:
• Assessing Community Annoyance of Noise from Unmanned Aerial Systems (Idea Rank: 27)
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs)/Drones are quickly becoming widely used in the U.S. As
companies shipping goods begin to utilize them for the delivery of products, they will become
even more prevalent in day-to-day life. For UASs departing from or arriving to airports, or in
operation in the airport vicinity, it is likely that community noise response to these will present
a new challenge for airports and UAS operators. As UASs have different noise profiles than
aircraft, research is needed to develop a methodology for measuring and understanding
community annoyance associated with UASs/drones. The objective of this research is to
develop a methodology for assessing community annoyance associated with noise from
UASs/drones and guidance to airports for responding to community concerns about UAVs.
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• Identifying Viable Techniques for Modifying NextGen Flight Track Design to Reduce
Community Noise Exposure and Annoyance (Idea Rank: 27 tie) - The implementation of
NextGen and specifically Metroplex projects has resulted in widespread community opposition
to flight track changes and increase noise complaints. In several instances, communities and
elected officials have demanded that the FAA reverse these changes or come up with revised
flight tracks to ease the noise burden on communities. Research is needed to 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 and would be compared to the pre- and
post-Metroplex conditions. The objective of this research is to produce recommendations for
the implementation of viable techniques for reducing community noise exposure, while
maintaining the benefits of NextGen flight procedures, for FAA's consideration in flight
procedure development moving forward.
• Best Practices for Effective Sound Insulation (Idea Rank 37) - Airports have spent millions of
dollars on sound insulation programs to mitigate aircraft noise in surrounding communities.
While this is often a popular program in communities, it does not necessarily "solve" noise
problems. An assessment of the effectiveness of sound insulation in different types of
structures and their associated uses is necessary to understand where this solution can have the
greatest impact and benefit to the community. Further, an assessment of sound insulation on a
geographic level to identify whether or not certain methods of reducing indoor noise levels are
more effective in different climates. Understanding the most effective ways to use sound
insulation on a structural and geographic level will allow airports to better allocate funding and
develop their noise strategy with a more targeted and effective approach. The objective of this
research is to assess how effective sound insulation is at reducing indoor noise levels in terms
of structural differences, as well as in the context of different geographic locations and
changing climates.
• Best Practices for Stakeholder Engagement and Assessing and Reporting on Multiple
Noise Metrics (Idea Rank 42) - With the results of the FAA's noise annoyance survey pending
release, airports will need guidance on how to communicate the results to their communities. In
addition, the FAA will be undertaking an analysis of different noise metrics. The potential policy
impacts of these projects to airports may be significant. Research on how these studies will
affect airports and how they may affect airport noise management will be needed. Guidelines
for best practices in stakeholder engagement, noise assessment, and more will be helpful to
airports as they navigate these findings. The objective of this research is to offer a guidebook of
best practices for handling potential policy changes or research findings from the FAA's 20
Airports Survey.
• Assessing Community Response to Helicopter Noise (Idea Rank: 45) - Airports located near
heliports, and those with helicopter operations occurring on site often receive noise complaints
from the community about these operations in addition to fixed-wing aircraft. Particularly in
urban areas, many helicopter operations are associated with law enforcement and / or medical
transport. Airports may not have the ability to track all these operations despite receiving noise
complaints. Further research to identify the differences between human annoyance and
17

community responses to helicopter noise versus fixed-wing aircraft noise and associated policy
impacts would be useful to airports and local planners. ACRP Report 181, Assessing Community
Annoyance of Helicopter Noise concluded that additional research is needed to determine
community response to helicopter noise versus fixed-wing aircraft. The objective of this
research is to conduct additional research on assessing community response to helicopter
noise, and ascertain the differences in human annoyance and community response between
helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Non-auditory Health Effects of Aircraft Noise (Idea Rank: 46) - Research has been published
on non-auditory health effects of aircraft noise to determine whether there is definitive dose-
response relationship for cardiac issues and other potential health impacts on humans. The
epidemiological studies are often not well understood by either the public or the airport
community, which can cause confusion over the correlation vs. causation of noise and health
impacts. A summary and consolidation of this type of research, and guidance on how to
communicate the results to a non-technical general audience would be beneficial to airports.
The objective of this research is to survey and summarize current scientific literature on health
impacts of aviation noise, and provide guidance to airports on how to communicate the results
to the public.
• Commercial Space Transportation Noise Model Validation (Idea Rank: 51) - Airports and
space facilities that wish to support the growing demand for commercial space operations
must seek launch site operator licenses from the FAA. As these facilities are developed,
environmental analysis will need to be conducted, including quantifying the noise from space
operations. Accurate predictions of the noise exposure from space operations require a noise
model that has been validated over a range of vehicle types, operations, and atmospheric
conditions. ACRP Project 02-66 developed a rocket noise model compatible with FAA’s Aviation
Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) and ACRP Project 02-81 (ongoing) is building a high-fidelity
dataset of space operations noise measurements. Additional research is needed to leverage the
data collected from ACRP 02-81’s measurement campaign and validate the noise model
developed under ACRP 02-66 to increase confidence in the accuracy of modeling of the noise
generated by commercial space operations. The objectives of this research are to design and
conduct an evaluation and validation of the space operations noise model developed under
ACRP 02-66 (Report 183) and to recommend future research efforts to improve model accuracy
using the community noise measurement database collected under ACRP 02 81.
• Assessing Community Annoyance of Low-level Sonic Boom Noise (Idea Rank: 53) - Aircraft
manufacturers are already building and testing aircraft that produce low-level sonic booms.
When these aircraft begin to operate at airports, airports will need guidance to help them
understand the dose-response relationship for this type of aircraft noise. This project would
serve to provide guidance to airports, in conjunction with guidance released by the FAA or
other entities, in assessing and reporting this noise as well as handling the community
annoyance associated with it. The objective of this research is to develop a method for
assessing the dose-response relationship and community annoyance associated with noise
from low-level sonic boom noise.
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3.3 Air Quality and Emissions

Air pollutant emissions and associated impacts from aviation-related sources continues to be an
important issue facing commercial and general aviation airports in the United States. Despite
fuel efficiency improvements in both aircraft and ground vehicle fleets, the projected future
growth in domestic and international aviation means that airports and airlines will need to
continue to address their emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs). In the near term,
research can provide airports with the latest best practices and methodologies to compile emissions
inventories as well as guidance on how to ensure their emissions are accounted for in state
implementation plans (which will be important particularly for areas newly designated as in “non-
attainment” for certain pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act).
Specific Air Quality and Emissions research topics identified include:
• Guidebook for Best Practices in Utilizing FAA's AEDT for Modeling and Reporting Noise
and Air Quality Emissions from Aircraft Operations (Idea Rank: 3) - Airports have expressed
the need for better guidance to understand how the FAA's AEDT works in modeling noise and
air quality emissions, as well as how to best utilize it for modeling and reporting. Further, the
transition from separate models for noise and air quality, the Integrated Noise Model (INM)
and Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System (EDMS), respectively, presents a challenge for
airports to explain differences in emissions or noise effects modeled year over year to the
public. Guidance materials on FAA's AEDT, with an emphasis in how to explain the results and
model differences to stakeholders is needed. The objective is develop a guidebook and
accompanying training tools for airports to effectively utilize FAA's AEDT model for noise and
air quality modeling, reporting, documentation and communicating the results to the public.
• Evaluation of Airport Emissions within State Implementation Plans (Idea Rank: 6) – Based
on the latest available science, the EPA regularly updates its national ambient air quality
standards (NAAQS) for certain pollutants (called criteria pollutants). The agency categorizes all
areas of the country as in attainment or non-attainment zones for each of the NAAQS (areas
that were in non-attainment but have subsequently met the standards are considered to be in
a “maintenance” area). Several airports are currently in a maintenance or non-attainment area
for one of the covered pollutants, and others may be brought into non-attainment based on
future NAAQS. These airports must ensure that their emissions (from operations and
construction) are addressed in their state implementation plan. In addition, the costs and
operational impacts of moving from a less to a more stringent designation are not well
understood (for example, moving from moderate to severe non-attainment for ozone). The
ACRP Report 84: Evaluation of Airport Emissions within State Implementation Plans was
published in 2013, but the industry has expressed a need for an update to this guidance
according to current and evolving best practices. The objective of this research is to update
ACRP guidance on how airports can ensure their emissions are incorporated into their states'
implementation plans with current best practices.
• Guidebook for Implementing Ground Support Equipment Electrification at Airports (Idea
Rank: 11) – Airlines and fixed-base operators are transitioning towards electric ground support
equipment, and some states and local governments have started to encourage or mandate the
19

use of electric GSEs. Airports therefore need to be prepared to respond to the demand for
increased electrification of GSEs. Specifically, airports need to plan for infrastructure upgrades,
increased electricity demand, a shift in demand for traditional/fossil fuel and corresponding
changes in maintenance activities. Airports will also need to be able to evaluate the emissions
benefits and impacts of an expanded eGSE fleets, for example how to calculate emissions
intensity per hour of eGSE use as compared to conventional equipment (which will change
based on the emissions factor of their region’s fuel mix). Airports would benefit from guidance
on these aspects to be prepared to support their tenants. The objective of this research is to
prepare a guidebook to inform airports of the planning and infrastructure needs, and how to
estimate the emissions benefits of a transition to an electric GSE fleet.
• Guidebook on Preparing Airport Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventories (Idea Rank:
11 tie) - ACRP Report 11, “Guidebook on Preparing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Inventories” has provided excellent guidance to airports over the last decade. However, best
practices for preparing GHG emissions inventories have evolved since its publication in 2009. As
a result, there is a need to update this guidance with most recent best practices and to
synthesize resources from other sectors on this topic. The objective of this idea is to update
ACRP Report 11 based on current industry best practices and international guidance.
• Reducing Emissions from Airport Landside Access Modes of Transportation (Idea Rank: 14)
- Passenger traffic to and from airports is often the largest landside source of emissions at an
airport. Airports have taken steps to address this issue from installation of cell phone lots,
enhanced parking payment systems, off-site parking to reduce congestion, alternatively fueled
airport shuttles, and improved public transit connectivity. However, tools to quantify the project
costs and the emission benefits of such projects may not be readily available to the airport, and
the infrastructure and policy requirements of these projects may not be readily apparent. The
objective of this project is to develop tools that can be used to quantify the emission benefits
of various landside improvement projects, estimate costs of construction, and presents case
studies of airports that have implemented such systems and lessons learned from these
projects. These will help other airports select landside enhancement projects and aid in
planning for and executing these projects.
• Ultrafine Particle Synthesis (Idea Rank: 49) - Airport and aircraft activities contribute to
ultrafine particulate matter (UFP) emissions, and there is an increasing concern about UFP
concentrations around airports as they are linked to adverse health effects. Many airports do
not fully understand their sources of UFP emissions, how they disperse around the airport and
their effects on the neighboring population. This information is necessary to understand
airport-generated and ambient UFP concentrations, and how airports can minimize UFPs. The
synthesis project would first review past and on-going studies on the following topics: (1)
Monitoring studies like source apportionment for UFP emissions (focusing on aircraft, airport
airside and airport landside sources); (2) past and on-going measurement campaigns of UFP in
and around airports around the world; (3) human health impacts of population exposure to UFP
(4) improvements in modeling/emissions estimation (e.g., can we provide a “patch or update”
to AEDT). In addition, the project could include interviews with airports and researchers, as well
as review the published literature, to identify gaps in our understanding of airport-related UFPs
20

in order to direct future research efforts and initiatives. The interviews could identify
communication strategies that researchers and airports can adopt to convey results of research
to the public.
• Calculating Emissions Benefits of Using Airport Shuttles for Employee Commuting (Idea
Rank: 50) – Some airports have explored the use of airport-owned shuttle buses to provide
additional airport employee commuting options - particularly during non-peak hours when the
shuttle buses would otherwise be running infrequently or idling. In addition to providing an
employee benefit, this may have air quality benefits by reducing air emissions from single
passenger vehicle traffic. Research is needed to examine the potential benefits to these types of
programs, and circumstances under which the FAA would permit the use of federally funded
buses for this dual purpose. The objective of this project is to conduct a survey of airport
practices to understand where the use of airport-owned shuttles are being used for employee
commuting, and what the associated air quality benefits are from this service. This could be
either a research project or a synthesis.
3.4 Resiliency
Resiliency is a broad concept that encompasses many factors relating to an airport’s ability to
recover from shocks and continue operations regardless of the circumstances. System
disruptions can include natural and human-made disasters (such as extreme weather or
terrorist acts), as well as short-term disruptions (power outages). The ability to manage chronic or long-
term stressors is also part of resiliency (for example the ability to hire and retain capable staff). Resiliency
can refer to infrastructure and physical assets as well as to business processes, supply chains,
management, and human resources. Given the focus of this roadmap, the resiliency research ideas
presented in this section primarily deal with environmental components of resiliency such as climate
change and extreme weather (though these are just two challenges that airports face, which will continue
to pose significant risks in the future). For example, airports on both coasts must consider the risks to their
infrastructure posed by sea level rise and storm surges. In addition, all airports have to consider changing
precipitation patterns (type, intensity, and frequency), greater temperature swings, droughts, flooding,
and other extreme weather. Infrastructure that was designed to withstand a 100-year storm using
historical data may now be exposed a similar level of extreme weather more frequently, and as a result,
may not be equipped to withstand changing conditions and stressors. Airports need to assess their
resiliency and develop plans to ensure their operations, infrastructure, and organizations are resilient to
many types of challenges.
There have been a few ACRP research projects on this topic in recent years, and in the absence of federal
policy guidance, airports will likely continue to look to ACRP for guidance on how to adapt to changing
conditions and mitigate their risks.
Specific research topics are as follows:
• Custom Climate Change Adaptation Tool (Idea Rank: 4) - Although ACRP previously
published the Airport Climate Risk Operational Screening (ACROS) tool, there is a need for a
more customizable tool that uses updated data and methods to characterize airport-specific,
asset-level climate change hazards and their associated financial impacts. ACROS utilizes a
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single climate scenario from low-resolution global climate models to estimate climate impacts
for groups of assets in the general location of an airport. The use of high-resolution
(“downscaled“) climate models and airport-specific data would allow for a detailed
characterization of asset-specific climate impacts. Incorporation of multiple climate scenarios
would help airports to understand the full range of potential outcomes and accounting for the
probability of these outcomes would allow for an estimation of financial risk. The objective of
this research is to develop an interactive tool to allow airports to determine asset-level impacts
and the associated financial risk from future climate hazards. It would utilize high-resolution
climate models to drive a probabilistic risk assessment of potential impacts under multiple
climate scenarios and time-periods. The digital tool would allow airports to visualize impacts
and quantify financial risk across their facilities to help prioritize action. Detailed information
(e.g. the flooding extent and depth of a future extreme precipitation event) would be provided
to help inform resiliency planning and design.
• Integrating Airport and Community Resiliency Planning (Idea Rank: 8) - The rise in severe
weather events (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, high winds) as well as the effects of rising sea levels
and changing weather patterns (e.g., periods of extended drought) have caused significant
flooding and damage to widespread regions across the U.S. Airports have begun to examine
what can be accomplished on airport to make airport infrastructure more resilient to the effects
of such weather activity. Other modes of transportation as well as utilities and other service
providers are conducting resiliency planning as well. However, airports and the other service
providers are subject to the same challenges as the communities they serve. Additionally,
airports and communities realize that in order to be truly resilient, a more comprehensive and
integrated region-wide examination of what is required to achieve effective regional resilience.
The objective of this research idea is to develop guidance for airports to engage their local
communities in integrated resiliency planning.
• Designing Resilient Infrastructure for an Uncertain Future: When the 100 Year Storm
Occurs Every 10 Years (Idea Rank: 9) - Research is needed on changing precipitation and
weather patterns, and providing guidance for airports on how to develop updated design
guidelines taking climate change into account. A number of airports have developed updated
design guidelines with new flooding maps taken into account for example. The research could
also examine how airports can justify the expense of designing infrastructure to withstand
storms that are based on outdated weather information, and demonstrate they are not "over-
designing" for purposes of obtaining AIP grants. The objective of this research is to provide
guidance for developing airport design guidelines that consider climate change in the face of
increased frequency of extreme weather events and changing weather patterns, including
strategies for justifying expenses related to resilient infrastructure.
• Evaluation of General Aviation Airport Financial Needs Considering Regional Risks and
National Categorization (Idea Rank: 14) - The FAA has categorized general aviation (GA)
airports into several categories of assets, including National Assets, Regional, Local, or Basic
Assets, etc. The funding formula does not necessarily take into account regional threats such as
seismic activity in the Pacific northwest, and the risk those regional threats pose to the airports
in the area. Regional natural disaster threats add another layer of complexity to the
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determination of the value or role of a GA airport in the event such a disaster should occur.
Research is needed to evaluate these regional risks, and to understand how the risks may affect
airports in that region. Specifically, the research would examine the role of GA airports in the
event a regional disaster renders other airports in the region inoperable for a time. The
objective of this research idea is to develop a resource for GA airports to understand their risks
from regional disaster threats and role in recovery. The guidance would also inform and
educate state departments of transportation and the FAA as they update to the classification
report, update their system plans and understand the financial needs of GA airports.
• Measuring Airport Resiliency to Natural Disasters and Other Hazards (Idea Rank: 23) -
Defining and quantifying airport resiliency can be challenging, particularly with the wide
variation of events that could disrupt operations and the significant differences between
airports (such as size, operations, geographic location, etc.). There have been several resources
developed for airports to assess their risk to climate change factors, and to integrate climate
risk management into existing systems. There is no methodology to measure and track an
airport's resiliency capacity over time however, to determine if adaptation measures taken to
mitigate risks result in quantifiable benefits. The objective of this research idea is to develop a
method to measure the resilience of an airport against a potential hazard or natural disaster.
• Airport Risk Assessment Tool for Future Environmental Threats (Idea Rank: 27) - Airports
have expressed a need for predicting and analyzing risks resulting from climate change and
other environmental threats. Strategies for preparing for future environmental or non-
environmental risks associated with regional climate change, a more globalized world, as well
as other potential environmental threats will allow airports to be better prepared in terms of
financial resiliency and infrastructure needs for when these events do occur. Data to predict
these impacts is imperfect, so a risk assessment and infrastructure development tool for
airports to implement resiliency measures is a necessity. The objective of this research idea is to
create a risk assessment tool for the potential impacts of future environmental threats at
airports.
• Guidebook for the Development of Resiliency Management Plans (Idea Rank: 35) – Airports
have a plethora of planning documents, including Master Plans, Sustainable Management
Plans, Emergency Operations and Irregular Operations Plans, Continuity of Operations Plan,
Environmental Management Plans, and Workforce Planning for example. More airports are
studying their climate risks and vulnerabilities as well. All of these planning efforts are
necessary and critical to operational continuity, and to ensure that airports can serve their
communities regardless of the circumstances. Research is needed to develop guidance and
tools to help airports create comprehensive resiliency plans that consider other (existing)
planning resources. The research should include consideration of environmental risks and
climate change, but the topic of resiliency goes beyond those two subjects. The project should
therefore take a comprehensive approach to resiliency management. The objective of this
research project is to develop a comprehensive guidebook and tools to help airports create
holistic resiliency management plans. The research should be flexible and implementable by
airports of all sizes, including options for developing plans to a level of detail and complexity in
line with staff and budget resources.
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3.5 Water Quality and Availability

Water is a broad category within airport environmental management, and depending on the
airport, water topics can comprise both water quality (for example drinking water quality,
stormwater management, and pollution prevention activities from deicing) and water
conservation. A number of projects and tools have been produced by ACRP over the past
decade addressing both types of water issues, but these remain important for airports as new information
becomes available. One example of an emerging challenge for airports is the presence of
perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOS/PFOA) in firefighting foam, which has led
to soil and water contamination. Research is ongoing about the implications of these substances on
human health and the transport fate of these substances. As more information becomes available,
additional regulations are expected, and airports will need guidance to assist with compliance and
communication with the public about this issue. Establishing a protocol for how to respond to drinking
water contamination events has been a challenge for airports that could be addressed with ACRP
assistance.
Specific research ideas include:
• Environmental and Human Health Risks Associated with Short-Chain PFAS in AFFF (Idea
Rank: 25) – As a result of research pointing to environmental and human health risks of per-and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used for
firefighting activities, airports have expressed an interest in obtaining alternative formulations
of AFFF. In addition, in response to concerns over the environmental and health impacts of
PFAS in AFFF, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a provision directing FAA to stop
requiring the use of fluorinated foam within three years (October 2021). The agency has begun
research and testing of non-fluorinated alternatives. While testing continues to find an FAA-
accepted alternative to fluorinated foam, manufacturers have created AFFF formulations using
short-chain PFAS. Short-chain PFAS are thought to be less persistent in the environment and
less bio-accumulative, but there is limited research on these compounds, and little is known
about the potential risks they pose to human health and the environment. Research is needed
to better understand and quantify these risks until a non-fluorinated AFFF option is
commercially available and approved by the FAA. The objective of this research is to conduct a
literature review to determine the current state of knowledge on the health and environmental
risks of short-chain PFAS and conduct research to build upon existing knowledge.
• Replacing AFFF in Existing Firefighting System Components (Idea Rank: 32) – AFFF used for
airport firefighting and training exercises has historically contained PFAS and PFOS), chemicals
that are persistent in the environment and have potential health impacts. If airports switch to
AFFF that do not contain PFAS, there may still be contamination from residual PFASs. Research
is needed to understand the extent to which PFAS can bind to existing systems (e.g., hoses,
storage containers, etc.). In the event that it is found that PFASs do bind to these systems,
methods for eliminating residual PFASs should also be studied. Costs associated with these
methods, which could include flushing the systems or full replacement, could be an element of
this research. The objective of this project should be to determine whether and to what extent
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PFASs bind to firefighting components after the PFAS-containing formulations are no longer in
use, and if so to develop best practices and a guidebook for airports to address the
contamination. The objective of this project is to determine whether and to what extent PFASs
bind to firefighting components after the PFAS-containing formulations are no longer in use,
and if so develop best practices and a guidebook for airports to address the contamination.
• Strategies for the Reuse of Gray- and Blackwater (Idea Rank: 32 tie) - Water conservation is
a topic of interest to airports, not only in areas affected by drought but as a key sustainability
practice. Increasing demands on potable water supplies require innovative water conservation
strategies, such as using graywater (reusable wastewater from sinks, dishwashers, showers, or
other sources that is not contaminated with human waste). Graywater can be reused for non-
potable water demands, such as toilet flushing or irrigation, due to its lower level of
contaminants. Blackwater is water that has been exposed to human waste (i.e. water from
toilets and urinals), and is reused less often than graywater because of the treatment required.
However, there are methods of treating black water so it can be used for non-potable
purposes. There are some examples of airports using gray water and a few using treated black
water. SFO uses treated wastewater for irrigation and toilet flushing, and the Port of Portland
headquarters building has a passive filtration system to process wastewater.
Utilizing reclaimed water for non-potable water uses has water conservation benefits because it
replaces the use of potable water. Depending on the intended use of the reclaimed water,
varying levels of treatment may be necessary prior to reuse. In addition, there are different
state regulations regarding the use of reclaimed water, which will affect what an airport can do
with respect to using gray or black water. Research is needed to help airports understand the
possibilities for gray and black water use, treatment requirements, design and construction
considerations, payback periods, regulations, etc. Case studies from airports of varying sizes
and similar facilities should be incorporated. The objective of this research is to develop a
comprehensive guidebook for airports on the uses for reclaimed black and gray water,
treatment and system requirements, process for calculating water savings and return on
investment, and case studies.
• Guidebook for Disposal Methods for PFOS and PFOA Containing AFFF (Idea Rank: 35) –
Airports surveyed as part of ACRP 173: Use and Potential Impacts of AFFF Containing PFASs at
Airports (2017) identified a knowledge gap in how to dispose of AFFF concentrate properly.
Specifically, with changing regulations and increased awareness of the potential environmental
impacts of AFFF containing PFASs (and, in particular, PFOS-containing AFFF), airports interested
in proactively making the switch to more environmentally friendly AFFF alternatives are
wondering how to dispose of existing stock of PFOS or PFOA containing AFFF concentrate.
Identified disposal options (e.g., return to manufacturer and incineration) may not be available
or may be too costly, leaving airports to stockpile AFFF waste until more cost-effective options
become available. Further research is recommended to identify viable, cost-effective disposal
options. The objective of this research is to identify proven, cost-effective disposals practices
for PFOS/PFOA containing AFFF.
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• Drinking Water Quality: Airport Roles and Responsibilities, Prevention, and

Communication of Events (Idea Rank: 40) – Airports, airlines, other airport tenants, and
government agencies all have a role to play in ensuring safe drinking water and effectively
managing events when contamination occurs. Communication guidelines currently do not exist
for airports dealing with government agencies and local drinking water utilities during drinking
water emergencies. Airports are often notified of drinking water emergencies from waterborne
disease outbreaks or microbial or chemical contaminations at the same time as the public. As
major transportation hubs, with people traveling to various locations across the world, airports
should be more integrated with government agencies; further, guidance on how to develop
standard operating procedures for emergency water quality event notification, preventative
measures, and stakeholder roles and responsibilities is needed. The objective of this research is
to develop a comprehensive resource for airports to understand their roles and responsibilities
for managing drinking water quality; develop standard operating procedures for water quality
event notification; managing table top emergency response exercises; and preventative
measures.
• Evaluation of Existing Treatment Facilities for Processing Wastewater Impacted by PFAS

(Idea Rank: 46) – Research conducted as part of ACRP 173: “Use and Potential Impacts of AFFF
Containing PFASs at Airports” (2017), revealed that some airports use existing glycol-water
and/or fuel-water separation systems for pretreatment of wastewater impacted by PFASs, prior
to sending discharged foam solutions to a wastewater treatment facility. The efficacy of these
systems in removing AFFF has not been studied, and it is not known whether changes to these
systems could result in adequate AFFF removal. Further research is also recommended to
evaluate volume criteria for disposal in local water treatment facilities. Local municipal or
airport-specific water treatment plants may not be effective in processing large volumes of
runoff impacted by PFASs following training, testing activities, or emergency response. The
research will help airports assess the effectiveness and viability of disposing of waste-impacted
by PFASs (i.e., discharged AFFF/water mixtures) using existing facilities. The objective is to
develop a guidebook for how airports can use existing treatment facilities to remove AFFF from
wastewater.
3.6 Monitoring and Reporting

Airports are complex organizations with a significant amount of data to track, organize, analyze,
and report on regarding everything from operations, safety records, and financial performance,
to customer service and environmental management. As publicly owned entities, they also
provide much of this information to the public and regulators on both voluntary and mandatory
bases. Data is also used internally to identify problems and improve performance. Concerning
environmental and sustainability related topics, airports may participate in certification programs that
require certain data or need benchmarking information to help them monitor progress and implement
improvements toward particular environmental goals. This theme includes topics related to the collection
and dissemination of information and tools to assist airports to reach their environmental goals and
obligations.
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• Environmental Research Roadmap Update (Idea Rank: 2) – ACRP has invested heavily in a
series of research roadmaps to identify ACRP projects. These roadmaps were initially to be
updated approximately every five years. However, many of the topics in the Environmental
Research Roadmap are urgent and research needs in these areas are evolving quickly (e.g.,
PFAS). Frequent review – even if at a relatively cursory level – would allow ACRP to keep abreast
of these research needs in a timely fashion. The objective of this project is to update the
Environmental Research Roadmap on an annual basis, through a one-day symposium/meeting
of industry experts.
• Science-Based Targets for Greenhouse Gas Emissions at Airports (Idea Rank: 9) - The
Science-Based Targets Initiative is a joint initiative by the Climate Disclosure Project, the UN
Global Compact, the World Resources Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund. The goal of
science-based targets is for entities / organizations to set GHG emissions reduction targets in
line with climate science, to achieve the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement of limiting global
warming to less than 2 degrees C below pre-industrial levels. Airports have often set GHG
emissions reduction goals based on an arbitrary number (for example, 10%), or what is likely
achievable, as opposed to developing goals based on what is required to meet global climate
goals. As more airports become interesting in aligning their climate goals with global goals and
targets, research and guidance is needed to assist airports in determining their course of
action. This project can develop airport-specific guidance from existing Science-Based Targets
Initiative information, case studies and international airport best practices. The objective of this
research idea is to develop guidance for airports, tenants and stakeholders to create science-
based targets for GHG reductions.
• Triple Bottom Line Accounting: Evaluation of Available Tools to Price Social and
Environmental Costs/Benefits of Projects (Idea Rank: 21) - The airport-specific definition of
sustainability includes Economic Viability, Operational Efficiency, Natural Resource
Conservation, and Social Responsibility (EONS). There is a lot of research and information
available to airports on the environmental components of sustainability, as well as some on the
operational and economic components, but fewer on the social aspects of social sustainability.
This knowledge gap can be partially attributed to the lack of tools to understand the costs and
benefits of social sustainability initiatives. During the stakeholder engagement process, there
was emphasis on the need to address the social and economic aspects of sustainability.
Airports are seeking guidance on how to perform triple bottom line accounting for
sustainability initiatives, so that the economic and social benefits and costs are as well
understood as the environmental and operational components. While there are some tools on
the market to assist airports develop a holistic cost accounting for these types of initiatives,
more guidance is needed particularly for airports with limited budgets. This project would focus
on expanding the social responsibility component of sustainability strategy, monetizing the
value of social and environmental components to communicate the true triple bottom line of a
ROI assessments as well as a synthesis of available tools.
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The objective of this idea is to develop a synthesis document describing the current state of
practice on triple bottom line accounting, with a focus on social costs/benefits, and the
methods and tools in practice.
• Library of Operational Benchmarking Metrics for Environmental Resource Management
and Sustainability (Idea Rank: 23) - Operational metrics associated with airport facility /
building performance can be used to improve efficiency, decrease operating costs, and reduce
environmental impacts of airport facilities. A standard benchmarking methodology that
normalizes for weather, location, carbon intensity of utility-supplied energy, and airport-specific
use characteristics would provide a means for airports to evaluate the performance of existing
facilities and assets. It would also allow airports to compare the performance of their buildings
with similar airports and facilities, and plan and execute improvement projects to reduce the
energy, water, waste, and GHG emissions associated with those facilities and assets.
The EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager is a publicly available tool that could be used to
benchmark energy use for airport facilities, but the database does not yet contain enough
airport-specific information to serve as a useful benchmark. One component of this project
could be to obtain energy data from a set of volunteer airports and enter it into the Portfolio
Manager system. This research could also identify if there are other benchmarking programs
for resources such as water use that could be enhanced specifically for airports. The objective
of this research is to obtain building and facility data for target issues such as energy and water
use, for the development of airport-specific environmental resource benchmarks.
• Guidebook on Environmental and Sustainability Rating Systems and Certifications (Idea
Rank: 32) - Motivated by a desire to minimize their impacts to surrounding communities and
conserve resources, airports have been interested in sustainability and sustainable management
for over a decade. Aided by the availability of grants from the FAA to develop sustainable
management/master plans, and community expectations, the number of airports that have
developed formal SMPs or implemented sustainability initiatives has increased over time. These
activities often occur in parallel to more traditional environmental management. Airports often
voluntarily seek or in some cases are required by state / local regulations to follow certain
standards or achieve certification when implementing environmental management and
sustainability plans.
A number of certification programs, standards, and systems are available that airports can use
to demonstrate commitment to sustainability and proactive management of their
environmental impacts. These programs provide an objective, third party recognition that the
airport meets certain standards. Such programs include, but are not limited to: the Airport
Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) standards ISO14001 and 50001, the ISI Envision rating system, Parksmart, Sustainable
Sites Initiative, and the Carbon Disclosure System. Each of these systems and programs have a
different focus, pathways to achievement, verification and certification requirements. There is a
need for a comprehensive resource that describes the ranges of programs and provides
guidance for airports in selecting the most beneficial or appropriate system for a given
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project/program, and best practices for implementation. The objective of this research idea is
to produce a guidance document or a synthesis report that presents airports with available
options for various environmental and sustainability certification and accreditation programs.
The guidance could include information regarding each system and the types of projects,
processes and phases of projects, which can be certified under that program, as well as
guidance on how to select and apply the appropriate program for the airport.
3.7 Natural Resources

Natural resource management is both an environmental issue as well as an important safety
issue encompassing a variety of topics including natural resources available on airport land as
well as wildlife. Wildlife, especially the threat of bird strikes, continues to pose a safety threat
that airports seek to address utilizing emerging and existing technology to better track and prepare for
this. Additionally, regulations associated with wildlife, specifically the Threatened and Endangered Species
Act, present regulatory challenges in terms of the classification of airport land as critical habitat. Ensuring
best practices in dealing with wildlife, flora, and fauna that have the potential to cause airspace
obstruction issues is a research need for airports.
Specific Natural Resources research topics identified include:
• Evaluation of Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Outcomes (Idea Rank: 7) - Nationally, the
effectiveness of implemented airport Wildlife Hazard Management Plans (WHMPs) has not
been systematically evaluated. This proposed research will seek to determine if airport WHMPs,
and their implementation, successfully meet the wildlife management (and conservation)
expectations and goals of the sponsoring airports and airport users. Potential lines of inquiry
and related products could include: (1) are airport WHMPs being fully and properly
implemented; (2) are implemented WHMPs meeting the expectations of sponsoring airports;
(3) if expectations are not being met, what are the deficiencies, and are there any
national/regional patterns or issues; (4) if deficiencies are found, what are the remedies; (5) how
can the WHMP planning process, or its implementation, be made more timely and cost-
effective; and (6) are the safety improvement expectations of WHMPs being met. A secondary
objective of this research is to examine possible conflicts between WHMPs and wildlife
conservation management permits. In some cases, the requirements may be conflicting. For
example, an airport WHMP may require a certain grass height, but certain protected species
may need longer grass for nesting. Guidance on best practices for collaboration between FAA,
airport, and state/local agencies would also be useful.
The objective of this research is to provide guidance regarding airport wildlife management
that is based upon a holistic review of the goals/objectives of both federal and state regulators
of safeguarding flight operations as well as regulators who are charged with safeguarding
wildlife and the environment.
• Airport Tree Removal Best Practices (Idea Rank: 16) - Airports that remove trees due to
possible airspace obstruction issues may be obligated to undertake environmental reviews.
Guidance is needed on best management practices in the evaluation and removal of trees to
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minimize the delays with associated environmental reviews. The objective of this research
project is to develop a synthesis of current practices and case studies on airport tree removal.
• Guidebook on Managing Critical Habitat for Threatened or Endangered Species (Idea
Rank: 20) - The decline of species worldwide due to habitat encroachment and climate change
(among other factors) is likely to result in more designations of threatened and endangered
species, which means additional areas designated as critical habitat. The safety and operational
requirements of airports are not necessarily well understood by regulatory agencies responsible
for implementing the Threatened and Endangered Species Act and state level equivalents.
Guidance and materials to help airports communicate these considerations to regulators would
be useful. Likewise, airports that are determined to have critical habitat on site will need
information and best practices for managing these areas.
The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook and tools for airports to educate
regulators unfamiliar with the airport environment and FAA regulations, and to prepare for
designation as a critical habitat for a threatened or endangered species.
• Using NEXRAD Weather Surveillance Network to Forecast Movements of Migratory Birds
Impacting Safety at Airports (Idea Rank: 26) - More than 14,000 wildlife strikes were reported
to the FAA in 2017. Globally, wildlife strikes have killed more than 287 people and destroyed
over 263 aircraft from 1988 through November 2018 (Dolbeer and Begier. 2019). To warn pilots
of potential wildlife hazards, airports often include generic language in the Automated Terminal
Information System (ATIS) or Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) that does not provide useful or
actionable information. Commonly these messages state, "use caution birds in the vicinity" and
are not based on specifically observed or forecasted information. Some airports have
integrated avian radar systems into their operations to detect local movements of birds;
however, these systems are costly and have limitations making them impractical for the
majority of airports. The existing infrastructure provided through the U.S. weather surveillance
radar network (NEXRAD), combined with recent advances in machine learning and
computational power make it possible to study avian movements at large spatial and long
temporal scales. Several studies have characterized bird migration with this sensor network and
have related these characterizations to other data, such as weather and climatic patterns and
artificial light pollution. Results from these research projects have been used to develop tools
to track bird migration in near real-time (http://birdcast.info/live-migration-maps/). These
findings have yet to be related to wildlife hazards at airports but could provide useful
information to pilots, air traffic controllers, and airports.
The objective is to utilize existing research and tools for tracking and predicting bird migration
patterns and develop methodologies for communication that information throughout the
airport operations system to prevent safety hazards.
3.8 Emerging Technology

Airport facilities are built to last decades, whereas the pace of technological change is much
faster. Even where environmental challenges faced by airports have not changed significantly in
the past several decades (e.g. noise, air quality, waste and stormwater management), the tools
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and technologies used to manage these environmental issues have evolved. New technologies affect all
areas of an airport’s operation and business, and as a result, this theme appears on other research
roadmaps as well. Airports need to keep pace with new technologies and software, but this is difficult due
to limited budgets and staff time. Research is needed to help airports understand new and potentially
disruptive technologies and services and to provide guidance on how these can be used to improve
airport operations, increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts. Examples include improved
sensing of wildlife hazards, increased automation of buildings to reduce energy use, and use of sensors
and software to improve environmental monitoring.
• Advancing Building Automation and Energy Management Systems (Idea Rank: 1) -

Software platforms have been developed to enable the tracking, analysis and reporting of
energy managements systems as well as building asset performance and maintenance. The
information captured in such platforms is capable of automatically developing work orders,
procurement requests, human resource information such as time and attendance, and financial
accounting data. Such software platforms are often procured as part of either an asset renewal
or new capital asset program. There are two unmet needs in this issue area, which research can
help resolve. The first is the identification of the cost of integrating these systems into the
existing software platforms it is intended to integrate with in order to realize the return on
investment potential of the new software. Secondly, new software platforms are capable of
replacing legacy systems in other areas of specialization at an airport. However, they also
require the redevelopment of existing workflow processes and the training of airport staff in
departments that will be making use of these new systems.
This effort requires significant activity levels of many airport departments. Existing priorities of
other work groups often of a higher priority to the airport, which prohibits the integration of
and use of the new software platforms. No guidance currently exists on how to identify an
effective approach to integrate such new technology with existing legacy software platforms as
well as workflow processes. These problems are anticipated to increase as new technologies are
developed, as well as through the growth in equipping all systems (and personnel) with
sensors, in order to capture comprehensive data across virtually all of the assets and workflow
processes of the airport environment. The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook
of best practices that have been used to integrate new software platforms into both legacy
software systems and existing workflow processes of the airport department activities they are
intended to support.
• Utilizing Smart Buildings and Emerging Technologies to Build a Comprehensive
Monitoring and Reporting System for Environmental Management (Idea Rank: 5) - Smart
building technologies (automation, Internet of Things, use of sensor networks, etc.) present an
opportunity for cost-efficient and holistic sustainable management of facilities. Technologies
exist that allow for more accurate monitoring of items like energy, air quality and water, as well
as impacts from extreme weather and other climate change impacts. The pace of technological
development is rapid, and new capabilities are available for enhanced monitoring and
management, but it can be difficult for airports to learn about how these technologies can be
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used at their facilities. This project would survey current and emerging technologies that are in
use or could be used to enhance environmental and sustainable management at airports. The
objective is develop a synthesis report of monitoring and reporting technology available to
airports for creating a comprehensive environmental reporting system on site.
• Improving Monitoring, Reporting, and Communication Capabilities for Wildlife Hazards
throughout Airport Operations (Idea Rank: 37) - Airports have identified a need for research
and guidance on available (and emerging) technology, tools, and practices to more effectively
sense wildlife risk on and around the airport in order to communicate it to the airport, air traffic
control tower, and airborne crew. Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technology
provides the potential for an integrated, 'smart' system at airports to communicate this
information more quickly and efficiently throughout the operational system. The objective of
this research is to provide information to airports in terms of how to utilize emerging
technologies for better notification, communication, and reporting regarding wildlife hazards
throughout the airport operational system.
3.9 Conclusion
Numerous resources were reviewed during the initial phase of developing the Research Roadmap,
including consultation with stakeholders and the literature review. Although some of the topics identified
are addressed in prior publications, they are included here if the research team or stakeholders identified
a need for an update or additional information on that topic has become available. Sources and
documents from the trade associations and FAA served as references for ensuring that research ideas
generated as part of this project are not duplicative and achieve alignment with industry priorities.
The goal of this project was to develop a five-year prioritized Research Roadmap that identifies gaps in
knowledge and research ideas in the area of airport environmental management. The intent is for the
individual research ideas included in on the roadmap to serve as starting points for development into
complete problem statements by industry practitioners. Based on this objective, recommendations for this
Research Roadmap are as follows:
1) The Research Roadmap should be used to inform the AOC of industry needs as they consider
submitted problem statements for research funding over the next three to five years; and
2) ACRP should consider updating the Research Roadmap periodically. This may include identifying
which ideas have been selected for funding, adding new ideas to address new challenges, revise
or remove research ideas that are no longer relevant or necessary. The entire roadmap should be
updated every 5 years.
32

4 Idea Identification and Prioritization

Based on this research and stakeholder discussion, the research team has identified the following key
criteria to consider as we prioritize research needs for inclusion in the draft and the final ACRP Research
Roadmap. The prioritization process will be iterative, reflecting input from the Project Panel and not
strictly objective as we are not proposing a specific weighting methodology for the various criteria. The
key criteria are listed below in no particular order.

2) Applicability
3) Timeliness
To assist in the prioritization of ideas, the research team reviewed processes used by other research
organizations to prioritize research funding, including the WHO, National Science Foundation (NSF), and
the FAA. Most research organizations have not adopted a single, consolidated prioritization methodology.
Instead, they apply a set (or sets) of key principles when evaluating research ideas. This allows the
organizations to prioritize projects based on their unique needs or interests. The research team has
adopted a similar approach for the Research Roadmap, whereby we have identified a set of key principles
for evaluating ideas that mirror ACRP’s own set of criteria for evaluating submitted problem statements.
Section 4.1 provides a summary of other organizations’ practices for research prioritization criteria. The
research team chose to review the ACRP, WHO, NSF, and FAA to gain insight into how some of the
leading research organizations in the world (WHO) and the United States (NSF) have chosen to prioritize
research. The FAA’s research methodology was reviewed to understand research prioritization practices in
the aviation industry. In reviewing these three major organizations, in conjunction with ACRP’s research
prioritization criteria the four criteria were selected.

This criterion was applied to ensure that the proposed research ideas have not been, nor are currently
being addressed by ACRP or other research institutions. Duplicative ideas will not be included in the
roadmap unless the information in existing sources is out of date and an update is warranted.
2) Applicability
This criterion refers to the approximate portion of the airport industry that could potentially benefit from
the results of the research. Some ACRP research projects have been geared specifically to small airports
while others have been more applicable to large airports in practice. This criterion recognizes the
importance of ACRP selecting research projects that are not so narrowly tailored as to be beneficial to
only small sub-sets of airports.
33

3) Timeliness
This criterion addresses the timeliness of the research problem, how urgent the need is, and considering
if sufficient data exists to conduct research, if additional time is necessary for impacts of the
problem/challenge to be understood, or if ACRP research is required to generate the necessary data.
Research ideas that address a current or urgent challenge to the industry and for which data exists rated
higher in this category than research ideas, which were not as urgent or was too new of a challenge to
have sufficient data available to conduct research.

This criterion is based on what ACRP has in their own prioritization criteria, and refers to whether or not
the research idea is understandable and logical. This criteria also addresses whether results will be
implementable (i.e. the research is applied and is likely to result in information, data, or a tool that can
used by the aviation industry immediately).
4.1 Research Idea Ranking

Upon finalization of the 54 research ideas, the research team administered a survey to the Project Panel
(which consisted of practitioners in the field of airport environmental management and sustainability) to
rank the ideas in order of priority. Each Project Panel member was asked to score each research idea in
each of the four prioritization categories, on a scale of 1 to 5 (lowest to highest score possible in each
criteria). The scores were then totaled to provide a ranked list of research ideas from 1 to 54. The idea
rank was used to determine relative placement of the idea on the Visual Roadmap. The placement of
ideas on the Visual Roadmap is not meant to imply that certain ideas must be selected in specific years,
but rather to show the priority in relation to one another.
For research ideas that received the same total score, the individual scores in the timeliness criteria were
used to differentiate between the ideas (those with higher timeliness scores ultimately placed higher in
the priority rank).
34

5 Stakeholder Engagement
Obtaining input from current industry practitioners and researchers was critical to the identification of
knowledge gaps and industry priorities. The research team completed outreach to key stakeholder groups
to identify these research gaps, and to solicit specific input on future ACRP environmental research
projects. This section summarizes the stakeholders engaged for this project. Outreach took the form of
individual and small group teleconferences, surveys, and in-person meetings at conferences and trade
association committee meetings identified in Table 2. The research team conducted an online survey via
surveymonkey.com for airport stakeholders, both traditional and non-traditional. In total 36 responses
were collected; these are displayed in Table 3.
Table 2: List of Conferences Attended for Stakeholder Engagement
Conference Dates Location

ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 2018 Nashville, TN
TRB’s Transportation Resilience Innovations Summit Oct. 9 – 10, 2018 Denver, CO

and Exchange (RISE)
2018 ACI-NA/AAAE Noise Conference Oct. 14 – 16, 2018 Indianapolis, IN
AAAE Airports Going Green Nov. 4 – 7, 2018 Atlanta, GA
TRB Annual Meeting 2019 Jan. 13 – 17, 2019 Washington, D.C.
ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition Sept. 14 – 17, 2019 Tampa, FL
Table 3: Survey Respondents
Name: Organization: Organization type:

Dave Byers Quadrex Aviation LLC Consultant / Service Provider
David Dunkley Jacksonville Aviation Authority Airport
Amy Reed Environmental Resource Solutions Consultant / Service Provider
Michael Gonsalves APTIM Consultant / Service Provider
Sara Viveiros Fort McMurray Airport Authority Airport
John R. Pehrson, PE CDM Smith Consultant / Service Provider
Alain Girard Jean Lesage International Airport of Quebec Airport

City
Carly Shannon C&S Companies Consultant/Service Provider
35


Burr Stewart Burrst Consultant/Service Provider
Richard Billings Eastern Research Group Consultant/Service Provider
Chris Roof U.S. DOT Volpe Center Other
Mary E. Johnson Purdue University Academic/Researcher
Cynthia Parker City of Phoenix Aviation Department Airport
Andrew Sharp IARO Consultant/Service Provider
Jennifer Burke GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Consultant/Service Provider
David Kim Ramboll Consultant/Service Provider
Kevin A. Gurchak PIT Airport
Dan Cohen-Nir Airbus Americas, Inc. Other
Paul Manasjan Haley & Aldrich Consultant/Service Provider
Cynthia Parker City of Phoenix Aviation Department Airport
Sara Kaplan Wayne County Airport Authority Airport
Mark Silverstein Clark County Department of Aviation Airport
Christine Vitt RIAC Airport
Kristi McKenney OAK Airport
Sam Mehta Gresham Smith Consultant/Service Provider
Stewart Dalzell Massport Airport
Brendan Reed SAN Airport
Chad Reese SAN Airport
Sjohnna Knack SAN Airport
Sarah Brammell Blue Wing Environmental Consultant/Service Provider
Scott Tatro LAWA Airport
36


Marianne Csaky Director, Environmental Affairs, Alaska Airline
Airlines
Aaron Robinson Senior Manager - Environmental Strategy and Airline
Sustainability, United Airlines
Mary Vigilante Synergy Consultants, Inc. Consultant/Service Provider
Mike McClure Aviation Environmental & Freight Manager, Other

Florida Department of Transportation
Jim Halley Aviation System Development Manager, Other
Florida Department of Transportation
The research team also presented during the February 2019 AAAE Environmental Committee meeting.
Additionally, the research team conducted small group or one-on-one meetings or teleconferences with
representatives of the following organizations during the course of this research project:
• Trade Associations
o Airlines for America (A4A)
o AAAE Environmental Committee
o ACI-NA Environmental Affairs Committee
• Airlines
o Alaska Airlines
o United Airlines
• Airports
o Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
o Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
o Greater Toronto Airport Authority
o Jacksonville Aviation Authority
o Massachusetts Port Authority
o Richmond Executive - Chesterfield County Airport
o San Diego International Airport
• Consulting Firms
o C&S Companies
o Environmental Resource Solutions
o Gresham Smith
o Haley & Aldrich
o Ramboll
• Agencies
o Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
37

o Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of Airports and Office of Environment and
Energy
o Florida Department of Transportation
Input from these organizations and individuals was consolidated and combined with the findings from the
literature review and the research team’s own experience to develop the initial list of research ideas. The
research ideas were refined and additional ideas added with the input from Project Panel members. The
final list of 54 research ideas is contained in Attachment B.
38

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Airport Environmental Research Roadmap Narrative Report

43 pages | 8.5 x 11 | PAPERBACK

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2020. Airport

– Access to free PDF downloads of thousands of scientiﬁc reports

Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Airport Environmental Research Roadmap

Mary Ellen Eagan

Contractor’s Final Report for ACRP Project 11-02, Task 32

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Learn more about the Transportation Research Board at www.TRB.org.

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

COOPERATI VE RESEAR CH PROGRAMS

CRP STAFF FOR ACRP WEB-ONLY DOCUMENT 45

ACRP PROJECT 11-02/Task 32 PANEL

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Noise Monitoring and Reporting

Water Quality and Natural Resources

Air Quality and Emissions Emerging Technologies

1) Avoidance of Duplicative Efforts

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Table 1: Twelve Highest Priority Environmental Research Ideas

Idea Rank Research Idea Title High-Level Theme

“Advancing Building Automation and Energy Management

2 “Environmental Research Roadmap Update”

“Guidebook for Best Practices in Utilizing FAA’s AEDT for

4 “Custom Climate Change Adaptation Tool”

“Utilizing Smart Buildings and Emerging Technologies to

“Evaluation of Airport Emissions within State

7 “Evaluation of Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Outcomes” Natural Resources

8 “Integrating Airport and Community Resiliency Planning”

“Science-Based Targets for Greenhouse Gas Emissions at

“Designing Resilient Infrastructure for an Uncertain Future:

“Guidebook on Preparing Airport Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

“Guidebook for Implementing Ground Support Equipment

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Organization of the Narrative Research Roadmap report:

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1) Avoidance of Duplicative Efforts

1 Transportation Research Board website, accessed March 10, 2018. http://www.trb.org/ACRP/ACRP.aspx

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

An overview of the roadmap development process is described in Section 1. Section 2 provides a

1) The Narrative Research Roadmap Report (this document)

1.2 Project Background

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The list of high-level themes is as follows:

Noise Monitoring and Reporting

Water Quality and Availability Natural Resources

Air Quality and Emissions Emerging Technologies

1.3 Roadmap Development

1.4 Relationship to ACRP’s IdeaHub

Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

1.5 Roadmap Products

2 The link for the interactive roadmap is as follows:

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2 Review of Existing Research

2.1 Transportation Research Board

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2.2 Federal Aviation Administration

1) Improve aviation safety

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