Stockholm-Arlanda Airport and the environment
For Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, environmental issues are a high priority. In the past five years alone, the airport has invested more than SEK 200 M in various measures to improve the environment.
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport works in various fields to protect the environment and its immediate surroundings. Examples are measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, lower noise levels, protect waterways and soil around the airport and lower energy consumption.
Environmental work – more than meeting permit conditions
There are numerous environmental conditions that Stockholm-Arlanda must continuously meet in order to be granted a permit to operate as an airport. But the environmental work is not only a matter of meeting these conditions. It is also all about taking serious steps to protect the environment and be a good neighbour. You can read more under the headings below.
Carbon dioxide emissions have decreased
The airport has its own energy company − Arlanda Energi. Its task is to save energy, thereby also saving money and sparing the environment. Nowadays the buildings at Stockholm-Arlanda are warmed almost exclusively by a district heating system that uses biofuels, thereby reducing net carbon dioxide emissions. Since 1990, net carbon dioxide emissions due to airport space heating have decreased by more than 92 per cent.
To energy
Use of chemicals
Most of the chemicals used at Stockholm-Arlanda are the same as those used elsewhere, such as detergents, paint and so on, but others are specific to an airport.
To chemicals
98 per cent of wastes recycled
At Stockholm-Arlanda, all waste is sorted at source. In 2007 about 98 per cent of household and industrial waste was sent for material recycling or energy production.
To waste
Environmentally friendly aircraft approaches and noise
Airlines pay lower charges at Stockholm-Arlanda when they use cleaner, quieter aircraft. The airport is also testing an alternative “Green Approach” procedure for flights and landings. The flight paths are being adjusted to further reduce aircraft noise disturbances in nearby communities.
To noise
Air, water and soil
The airport works to minimise atmospheric emissions and discharges into waterways and the soil. This includes using the environmentally soundest anti-skid agent in the market and treating the water from aircraft de-icing and vehicle washing. Stockholm-Arlanda is also the first airport in the world to be served by biogas-powered buses.
Read more about water, air and soil.