Sacramento International Airport (SMF), in response to California’s pressing air quality concerns, is pioneering several eco-friendly initiatives. With Sacramento experiencing some of the nation’s worst air quality, SMF’s efforts are timely, especially during high-traffic periods like Thanksgiving.Glen Rickelton, SMF’s planning manager, spotlights the airport’s technological advancements aimed at reducing pollution from airplanes. A key development is the conversion of all jet bridges to pre-conditioned air systems, allowing airplanes to use ground power instead of running engines at the terminal, thus cutting down emissions significantly.Furthering its environmental commitment, over a third of SMF’s energy requirements are met by an on-site 8-megawatt solar farm. This shift not only lowers carbon emissions but has also led to substantial annual electricity cost savings.
Glen Rickelton, the airport’s planning manager, said they have some trendsetting technology that reduces pollution from idling airplanes.”We were one of the first airports to transition all of our jetbridges to pre-conditioned air, which means when the airplanes come to the gate, they can hook up to that and have power,” Rickleton said.
The airport’s sustainability efforts extend to its ground transportation. According to CBS News, it’s transitioning its shuttle fleet to electric vehicles and has installed charging stations for public use. This move aligns with trends in the automotive industry, as seen with rental car and rideshare services like Uber moving towards electric vehicles at the airport.A forward-looking initiative of SMF is the anticipated integration of electric airplanes. This visionary step, aimed at accommodating more passengers while minimizing environmental impact, is being pursued in collaboration with industry partners to understand and implement this emerging technology.Sacramento International Airport’s commitment to environmental sustainability is making significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint. These initiatives place SMF at the forefront of eco-friendly aviation, demonstrating a strong commitment to balancing the needs of increased air travel with environmental responsibility.
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