TagAlternative Fuels(34)

This U.S. Department of Energy report, prepared by researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the University of Dayton, reviews the technical pathways for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) — alternative fuels designed to reduce the environmental impact of commercial aviation. The report synthesizes findings from multiple expert workshops and evaluates various methods for converting renewable resources into jet fuel. It is intended to inform policymakers, fuel producers, and aviation stakeholders about viable routes toward cleaner air travel.

The FAA's Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program is a public-private partnership aimed at reducing aircraft fuel burn, emissions, and noise through new engine and aircraft technologies and alternative jet fuels. Running in three phases from 2010 through 2025, the program sets increasingly ambitious targets, including up to a 75% reduction in NOx emissions and a 40% reduction in fuel burn by 2026. These advancements are relevant to communities near busy airports like Sea-Tac, as the program's noise reduction goals include a 25 dB cumulative reduction relative to Stage 5 standards.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Environment and Sustainability Programs outline the airport's efforts to become the greenest, most energy-efficient airport in North America across four key areas: air quality and emissions reduction, green transportation, waste reduction and recycling, and water and wildlife management. Initiatives include providing pre-conditioned air and electricity at gates to cut aircraft engine greenhouse gas emissions by over 40,000 metric tons, transitioning vehicles to cleaner energy sources, and working toward recycling 60 percent of solid waste by 2020. The airport also actively manages 160 acres of wetland habitat, uses avian radar to protect wildlife, and has relocated more than 800 birds to reduce hazards to aircraft.