Faro Airport - A more efficient airport

 

Between 2010 and 2015 Faro Airport reduced its consumption of electricity by 20%. This achievement has been reached simultaneously with an increase of 20% in the number of passengers processed during the same period. In 2015 Faro Airport spent an average of 2.2 kWh per processed passenger.
This improvement in energy efficiency avoided the emission of approximately 6,450 tons of carbon dioxide.

Situated within the Natural Park of Ria Formosa generates additional concern and particular attention by the Airport. The fact that the airport is a big energy consumer brings in itself a greater responsibility, with consumption reduction targets set and undertaken with the regulatory authority for energy services, which in turn mirrors European legislation on this matter.

ANA and Vinci, ever aware of its social responsibility and the weight the energy bill has on the operating costs of their infrastructures, actively promotes an energy efficiency culture.

A significant part of the reduction in consumption was achieved without investment, using improvements in energy management practices, changes in control methods of operation of the airport terminal and equipment’s.

The biggest contribution to the consumption reduction came from the air conditioning system, an area representing approximately one third of the total electric energy consumed by the airport.

In 2015 the energy consumption associated with air conditioning in the passenger terminal was 44% lower than in 2010. Much of this reduction in consumption was obtained in the winter, spring and autumn months, taking advantage of an adaptation of the facility to the thermal loads during those times of the year, as well as free-cooling techniques, achieved using existing facilities not normally associated with air conditioning, such as automatic doors and smoke extraction systems.

In light of these energy saving achievements, Faro Airport has had the opportunity to collaborate with universities in European projects regarding energy efficiency, sharing its know-how, and developing energy management tools that are likely to be a reference in the near future in airport facilities.