Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change (2025)
Chapter: Front Matter
 |
|
| ACRP Research Report 277 |
Airport Cooperative Research Program Sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration |
Communicating a Balanced Look
at Local Airport Activity and
Climate Change
ACRP OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE*
CHAIR
Marianne Csaky
LanzaJet
VICE CHAIR
Kimberly A. Kenville
University of North Dakota
MEMBERS
Balram “B” Bheodari
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Darryl Daniels
Jacobsen Daniels Associates
John Dermody
Federal Aviation Administration
Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge
St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Lance Lyttle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Chad Makovsky
City of Phoenix (AZ)
Scott McMahon
Morristown Municipal Airport
Frank R. Miller
Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority
Ramon Ricondo
Ricondo and Associates, Inc.
Steve Sisneros
Southwest Airlines
Cathryn Stephens
Eugene Airport
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Justin Barkowski
American Association of Airport Executives
Sabrina Johnson
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Laura Rinaldi McKee
Airlines for America
Christopher J. Oswald
Airports Council International–North America
Gregory Pecoraro
National Association of State Aviation Officials
T.J. Schulz
Airport Consultants Council
Victoria Sheehan
Transportation Research Board
SECRETARY
Monique R. Evans
Transportation Research Board
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD 2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE*
OFFICERS
CHAIR: Carol A. Lewis, Professor, Transportation Studies, Texas Southern University, Houston
VICE CHAIR: Leslie S. Richards, General Manager, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Philadelphia
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Victoria Sheehan, Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC
MEMBERS
Michael F. Ableson, CEO, Arrival Automotive–North America, Detroit, MI
James F. Albaugh, President and CEO, The Boeing Company (retired), Scottsdale, AZ
Carlos M. Braceras, Executive Director, Utah Department of Transportation, Salt Lake City
Douglas C. Ceva, Vice President, Customer Lead Solutions, Prologis, Inc., Jupiter, FL
Nancy Daubenberger, Commissioner of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Transportation, St. Paul
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner, New York State Department of Transportation, Albany
Garrett Eucalitto, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Newington
Chris T. Hendrickson, Hamerschlag University Professor of Engineering Emeritus, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Randell Iwasaki, President and CEO, Iwasaki Consulting Services, Walnut Creek, CA
Ashby Johnson, Executive Director, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), Austin, TX
Joel M. Jundt, Secretary of Transportation, South Dakota Department of Transportation, Pierre
Hani S. Mahmassani, W.A. Patterson Distinguished Chair in Transportation; Director, Transportation Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Scott C. Marler, Director, Iowa Department of Transportation, Ames
Ricardo Martinez, Adjunct Professor of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA
Michael R. McClellan, Vice President, Strategic Planning, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Atlanta, GA
Russell McMurry, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Transportation, Atlanta
Craig E. Philip, Research Professor and Director, VECTOR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Steward T.A. Pickett, Distinguished Senior Scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY
Susan A. Shaheen, Professor and Co-director, Transportation Sustainability Research Center, University of California, Berkeley
Marc Williams, Executive Director, Texas Department of Transportation, Austin
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Michael R. Berube, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Amit Bose, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, DC
Tristan Brown, Deputy Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Steven Cliff, Executive Officer, California Air Resources Board, Sacramento
Rand Ghayad, Senior Vice President, Association of American Railroads, Washington, DC
LeRoy Gishi, Chief, Division of Transportation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, Germantown, MD
Robert C. Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Jason Kelly, Deputy Commanding General for Civil Works and Emergency Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC
Zahra “Niloo” Parvinashtiani, Engineer, Mobility Consultant Solutions, Iteris Inc., Fairfax, VA, and Chair, TRB Young Members Coordinating Council
Ann Phillips (Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, retired), Maritime Administrator, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Sophie Shulman, Deputy Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, DC
Karl Simon, Director, Transportation and Climate Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Jim Tymon, Executive Director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC
Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Washington, DC
Michael Whitaker, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Kristin White, Acting Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Vinn White, Deputy Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Washington, DC
___________________
* Membership as of November 2024.
* Membership as of November 2024.
AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
ACRP RESEARCH REPORT 277
Communicating a Balanced Look
at Local Airport Activity and
Climate Change
Frank Berardino
David Weingart
GRA, INC.
Alexandria, VA
Dirk Singer
SIMPLIFLYING, INC.
Whistler, British Columbia
Rosemary Barnes
Katie Franco
AVIATRIX COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
San Diego, CA
Subscriber Categories
Aviation • Environment • Terminals and Facilities
Research sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration
AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
Airports are vital national resources. They serve a key role in transportation of people and goods and in regional, national, and international commerce. They are where the nation’s aviation system connects with other modes of transportation and where federal responsibility for managing and regulating air traffic operations intersects with the role of state and local governments that own and operate most airports. Research is necessary to solve common operating problems, to adapt appropriate new technologies from other industries, and to introduce innovations into the airport industry. The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) serves as one of the principal means by which the airport industry can develop innovative near-term solutions to meet demands placed on it.
The need for ACRP was identified in TRB Special Report 272: Airport Research Needs: Cooperative Solutions in 2003, based on a study sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). ACRP carries out applied research on problems that are shared by airport operating agencies and not being adequately addressed by existing federal research programs. ACRP is modeled after the successful National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP). ACRP undertakes research and other technical activities in various airport subject areas, including design, construction, legal, maintenance, operations, safety, policy, planning, human resources, and administration. ACRP provides a forum where airport operators can cooperatively address common operational problems.
ACRP was authorized in December 2003 as part of the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. The primary participants in the ACRP are (1) an independent governing board, the ACRP Oversight Committee (AOC), appointed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation with representation from airport operating agencies, other stakeholders, and relevant industry organizations such as the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Airlines for America (A4A), and the Airport Consultants Council (ACC) as vital links to the airport community; (2) TRB as program manager and secretariat for the governing board; and (3) the FAA as program sponsor. In October 2005, the FAA executed a contract with the National Academy of Sciences formally initiating the program.
ACRP benefits from the cooperation and participation of airport professionals, air carriers, shippers, state and local government officials, equipment and service suppliers, other airport users, and research organizations. Each of these participants has different interests and responsibilities, and each is an integral part of this cooperative research effort.
Research problem statements for ACRP are solicited periodically but may be submitted to TRB by anyone at any time. It is the responsibility of the AOC to formulate the research program by identifying the highest priority projects and defining funding levels and expected products.
Once selected, each ACRP project is assigned to an expert panel appointed by TRB. Panels include experienced practitioners and research specialists; heavy emphasis is placed on including airport professionals, the intended users of the research products. The panels prepare project statements (requests for proposals), select contractors, and provide technical guidance and counsel throughout the life of the project. The process for developing research problem statements and selecting research agencies has been used by TRB in managing cooperative research programs since 1962. As in other TRB activities, ACRP project panels serve voluntarily without compensation.
Primary emphasis is placed on disseminating ACRP results to the intended users of the research: airport operating agencies, service providers, and academic institutions. ACRP produces a series of research reports for use by airport operators, local agencies, the FAA, and other interested parties; industry associations may arrange for workshops, training aids, field visits, webinars, and other activities to ensure that results are implemented by airport industry practitioners.
ACRP RESEARCH REPORT 277
Project 02-102
ISSN 2572-3731 (Print)
ISSN 2572-374X (Online)
ISBN 978-0-309-73239-0
Library of Congress Control Number 2024952440
© 2025 by the National Academy of Sciences. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the graphical logo are trademarks of the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
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, APTA, FAA, FHWA, FTA, GHSA, or NHTSA 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.
NOTICE
The research report was reviewed by the technical panel and accepted for publication according to procedures established and overseen by the Transportation Research Board and approved by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The opinions and conclusions expressed or implied in this report are those of the researchers who performed the research and are not necessarily those of the Transportation Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; or the program sponsors.
The Transportation Research Board does not develop, issue, or publish standards or specifications. The Transportation Research Board manages applied research projects which provide the scientific foundation that may be used by Transportation Research Board sponsors, industry associations, or other organizations as the basis for revised practices, procedures, or specifications.
The Transportation Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and the sponsors of the Airport Cooperative Research Program do not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers’ names or logos appear herein solely because they are considered essential to the object of the report.
Published research reports of the
AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
are available from
National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, NW, Keck 360
Washington, DC 20001
(800) 624-6242
and can be ordered through the Internet by going to
https://nap.nationalacademies.org
Printed in the United States of America
The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 by an Act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln, as a private, nongovernmental institution to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology. Members are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. Dr. Marcia McNutt is president.
The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the practices of engineering to advising the nation. Members are elected by their peers for extraordinary contributions to engineering. Dr. John L. Anderson is president.
The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to advise the nation on medical and health issues. Members are elected by their peers for distinguished contributions to medicine and health. Dr. Victor J. Dzau is president.
The three Academies work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.
Learn more about the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at www.nationalacademies.org.
The Transportation Research Board is one of seven major program divisions of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The mission of the Transportation Research Board is to mobilize expertise, experience, and knowledge to anticipate and solve complex transportation-related challenges. The Board’s varied activities annually engage about 8,500 engineers, scientists, and other transportation researchers and practitioners from the public and private sectors and academia, all of whom contribute their expertise in the public interest. The program is supported by state departments of transportation, federal agencies including the component administrations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.
Learn more about the Transportation Research Board at www.TRB.org.
COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMS
CRP STAFF FOR ACRP RESEARCH REPORT 277
Monique R. Evans, Director, Cooperative Research Programs
Waseem Dekelbab, Deputy Director, Cooperative Research Programs
Marci A. Greenberger, Manager, Airport Cooperative Research Program
Joseph D. Navarrete, Senior Program Officer
Stephanie L. Campbell-Chamberlain, Senior Program Assistant
Natalie Barnes, Director of Publications
Heather DiAngelis, Associate Director of Publications
ACRP PROJECT 02-102 PANEL
Field of Environment
Cathryn Stephens, Eugene Airport, Eugene, OR (Chair)
Julie Barrow, RS&H, Inc., Denver, CO
Justin Danehy, Southwest Airlines Co., Dallas, TX
Arif Rizwan Ghouse, Port of Seattle/Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, WA
Lisa Stark, Lisa Stark Communications, Bethesda, MD
Peter C. Woolfolk, Communication Strategies, Brentwood, TN
Tony Diana, FAA Liaison
Lisa Williams, FAA Liaison
Scott Elmore, Airports Council International–North America Liaison
Sylvia Anne Palmer, Airport Consultants Council Liaison
FOREWORD
By Joseph D. Navarrete
Staff Officer
Transportation Research Board
ACRP Research Report 277: Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change is a practical guide to help airport practitioners learn about and effectively communicate the relationship between airport activity and climate change. While much research has been undertaken to estimate climate impacts of aviation activity overall, this report focuses on the potential impacts of the local airport. The information and suggestions in the report are primarily based on a case study approach of both U.S. airports and airports in Europe. The report will be of particular interest to airport operators who wish to share the economic benefits of their facility, yet respond knowledgeably and sensitively to community concerns about the possible contributions of daily airport operations to climate change.
The nation’s airport system provides essential transportation services for millions of travelers and shippers of goods, as demonstrated in ACRP Report 132: The Role of U.S. Airports in the National Economy (2015). The report showed that public-use airports in the United States create and sustain 11.5 million jobs and contribute $1.6 trillion to the economy annually when direct, indirect, and induced economic effects are considered. However, aviation activity results in both benefits and disbenefits. As communities become more socially and environmentally conscious, there is growing awareness of some of the adverse impacts of aviation activity, including its contribution to climate change. This has most recently appeared as social pressure to discourage air travel. Airport practitioners needed resources to effectively communicate their economic impacts, environmental impacts, and sustainability efforts to multiple audiences in a balanced, evidence-based manner.
Under ACRP Project 02-102, “A Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change,” GRA, Incorporated, was tasked to provide resources and guidelines to help airports present a balanced and objective look at the benefits and disbenefits of air travel and local airport activity. The research included a comprehensive literature scan to review the latest research on aviation’s economic benefits, climate change impacts, efforts airports are taking to reduce impacts, various societal perspectives on aviation activity, and how airports have responded in terms of public communication. The research continued with case studies comprising large, medium, and small airports, including two airports in Europe. The case study effort focused on the relationship between the economic benefits of local airport activity and climate-related costs, goal-setting, effective communication with stakeholders and the public, and initiatives to measure and reduce emissions. The analysis and findings from the research were then used to prepare this report.
The report provides an overview of the effects of aviation activity on both local economic benefits and climate change, including the challenges to reducing climate change impacts.
This is followed by specific actions airports can take to reduce emissions and the importance of setting goals and reporting progress to the community. The report also offers rules of thumb to help airport operators tie increases and decreases in activity at their facility to changes in economic benefits and emissions. In addition, the report focuses on strategies for proactively communicating these topics and provides sample communications and case studies that cover both consistent communications and tactical responses to community concerns about airport activity. The report, as well as a Conduct of Research document that details the entire research process and findings, can be found on the National Academies Press website (nap.nationalacademies.org) by searching for ACRP Research Report 277: Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Introduction to the Guide
Establishing a Baseline of Information
Narrative: Balanced Communications on Local Airport Activity and Climate Change
Groups and Stakeholders Concerned About Aviation Activity
Communicating Climate Change and the Role of Airports in the Local Economy
Chapter 2 Climate Change and Airports
Why Is Aviation So Expensive to Remediate?
The Role of Airports Versus Aircraft Operators and Others in the Aviation Value Chain
Chapter 3 What Airports Can Do to Address Emissions
What Can Airports Do to Address Emissions?
Undertaking an Accreditation Process
Consider Encouraging the Use of Book and Claim SAF
Carefully Consider Encouraging the Use of Offsets
Carefully Consider the Potential Benefits of Electric Flight
Consider Pursuing and Publicizing Awards
Chapter 4 The Role of the Airport in the Local Economy
New Research to Supplement Airport Economic Impact Studies
Chapter 5 Groups Concerned About Aviation Activity
What Do Groups Concerned About Aviation Activity Believe?
What Do Groups Concerned About Aviation Activity Want?
Who Are the Groups Concerned About Aviation Activity?
Groups’ Concerns About Aviation Messaging Greenwashing
Chapter 6 Strategies to Communicate the Airport’s Side of the Story
The Airport’s Story in Response to Concerns About Aviation Activity
Chapter 7 Sample Communications and Case Studies
Signage and Digital Displays That Support Sustainability
Promoting Awards and Accreditations
Other Communications Strategies
Lessons from Sample Communications
Key Findings from In-Depth Case Studies
Findings from Individual Airports
Appendix A Economic Impacts: Details and Methodology
Appendix B Case Study Details and Methodology
