ACRP 02-56: Developing a Business Case for Renewable Energy at Airports

HMMH produced an ACRP guidebook to provide airports with instruction and tools to help them develop a business case that maximizes the benefits of renewable energy opportunities. To reinforce its practical application, the Guidebook presents direct experience in renewable energy business case development to show both how those attributes are weighted by different organizations, and how this broader renewable energy business experience translates to the airport business. The guidebook reviews the criteria used to evaluate a renewable energy project and presents a system for weighting evaluation factors, including long-term self-sustainability and environmental/social considerations, based on the airport’s particular objectives. It walks through a model business case and evaluates the key factors fundamental in the renewable energy business case. It also provides examples of similar renewable energy business cases from both an airport’s perspective as well as other organizations including an airline, a university, and a hospital.

ACRP Report 151: Developing a Business Case for Renewable Energy at Airports was the first ever released by the ACRP in a prepublication format as part of its interest in accelerating the presentation of its research products to the industry, and demonstrates the high level of confidence in the draft product. The prepublication version was released in November 2015, with a final edition of the Guidebook expected in the second quarter of 2016.