Energy and Emissions Reduction Strategy for the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation

In 2016, the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation (DOA) developed a sustainability strategy focused on several key areas, including recycling, energy, noise, emissions and water. As a follow-up to this effort, in mid-2017 the DOA engaged C&S Companies (C&S) and HMMH to assist the city in developing a strategic plan to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, increase the resiliency of their facilities, and assess the opportunities for renewable energy (designated the Re-PHL Strategy) at Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The project’s objective was to help the DOA realize financial savings, increase its operating efficiency and achieve infrastructure resiliency while simultaneously contributing to the city’s overall energy and emissions reduction goals.

In Phase 1 of the project, C&S and HMMH developed a comprehensive baseline assessment for energy use and GHG emissions. This involved the review of prior studies and documents internal to the airport, including a comprehensive energy assessment, renewable energy feasibility studies, emissions inventories and past airport projects, as well as from stakeholders (the City of Philadelphia, utilities, and airlines) in order to develop a comprehensive baseline assessment for energy and emissions. The project involved extensive stakeholder interviews with airport staff, tenants, consultants and other city departments to research existing and future initiatives, as well as development of ambitious but achievable goals concerning energy use, renewable energy and emissions reductions. Our two firms planned and executed an Energy Workshop engaging both airport stakeholders and city representatives to provide input to the baseline assessment.

Phase 2 focused of the project on expanded stakeholder engagement with airport tenants and airport staff to  develop the energy, emissions and resiliency strategy. As part of this second phase C&S and HMMH identified strategies to reduce energy use and emissions, assessed the anticipated costs and emissions reduction benefits, potential funding sources and time to implement. The strategies took into account anticipated growth and planned future development projects. HMMH also conducted a solar feasibility study and assessed other renewable energy opportunities at both DOA airports. As a result of that effort, HMMH was engaged to examine the technical, logistical, and regulatory feasibility of procuring 100 percent of Northeast Philadelphia Airport’s electricity needs from renewable sources, which is currently an ongoing project.