Boston's Logan Airport Goes Green

Boston, MA (AHN) - A growing number of U.S. airports are going green in a bid to cut costs and have a cleaner environment.

One such gateway is the Boston Logan International Airport which installed in July 20 six-foot tall wind turbines expected to generate 100,000 kilowatt-hours yearly or equivalent to 3 percent of the building's energy needs.

The project, which costs $140,000, was installed by AeroVironment, a California based firm. Steven Gitlin, marketing executive of the company told USA Today, "The turbines are uniquely created for the urban environment. And it makes a lot of sense for airports that want to reduce their carbon footprint."

Many airports used to be slow in adopting environmental-friendly measures mandated by local governments. Those which followed often just complied with the minimum requirements, according to Steve Howards of Clean Airport Partnership.

Howards observed that many air gateways invest in aesthetically pleasing structures which do not promote energy conservation. But a number are now embracing green solutions partly due to better social awareness, higher technology available and rising cost of operations.

Sam Sleiman, director of capital programs and environmental affairs of Boston Logan International Airport, explained to USA Today, "If you're watching oil prices, it gives you more incentive for somebody like us to look at pilot programs for energy savings... The perception is that airports are pollutants, and we want to change that perception."

Other green measures adopted by airports include the availability of on-site compressed natural gas fueling stations, glass for walls to tap natural light, electrical connections at gates of the aircraft, lower watt bulbs, use of recycled building materials and planting of water-conserving vegetation.

Airlines too are introducing changes to cut fuel cost and carbon discharge. Air New Zealand announced on Tuesday it will fit winglets on its Boeing 767-300ER jetliners. The winglets will cut drag and allow the plane to ascend faster. It will reduce the air carrier's fuel consumption by 1.6 million gallons annually and save Air New Zealand $5 million (7.5 million New Zealand dollar) yearly.