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Geoff Percival
20 December 2024
Ireland West Airport, near Knock, has achieved Level 3 Accreditation, ‘Optimisation’, in recognition of the airport’s actions to address its CO2 emissions, as part of the global industry’s response to the challenge of climate change.
Participation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme plays a significant role in the advancement of the airport’s overall Sustainability Strategy. To meet the demands of sustainable development and to safeguard the environment, Ireland West Airport embarked on an extensive sustainability and energy reduction programme in the last 3 years and has introduced a comprehensive Energy and Environmental Management System as well as completing several new initiatives such as:
- Upgraded all terminal and external facility lighting to LED
- Replaced its Ground Operations Vehicles with a fleet of new fully electric, zero-emissions vehicles
- Upgraded its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) to the latest in LED technology, which will provide for the next generation of airfield ground lighting
- Completed an upgrade of its Runway Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). Aircraft can use the DME simultaneously for landings and in conjunction with the Instrument Landing System (ILS), an “instrument landing” is provided which greatly increases efficiencies for aircraft.
- Upgraded its IRVR equipment (Instrumented Runway Visual Range). IRVR equipment is located along the edge of the runway and provides Air Traffic Control & pilots with information on visibility for landings and take-offs. This equipment is needed for landing/take-offs in low visibility (Fog) conditions. Upgrading the IRVR system reduces significantly time delays as well as fuel use
- Completed an upgrade of the airports Constant Current Regulators with new pure sine wave CCRs which are specifically designed for LED light fittings. New sine wave CCRs in conjunction with the LED fittings will greatly reduce the consumption of the airport’s airfield lighting.