This goal has both internal and external facets in the context of airports. For the employee and supplier/concessionaire community, diversity and inclusion, training provision, and strong governance models are key.
Externally, airports can play a role in contributing to sustainable cities and communities, and more remotely (but still importantly) can facilitate global diplomacy and harmony as the gateway to and from other nations and regions.
Globally, the biggest issue with airports tends to be noise and air quality. Carbon and climate change are rapidly eclipsing that. Airports need to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint.
ACI Europe already has a net-zero 2050 target, as do several individual airports; some, such as Swedavia in Sweden, have already reached this goal and will be focusing on staying net zero. But there also other considerations. Waste is a big one, for example, as well as local wildlife and biodiversity impacts and water course preservation.
While airports are naturally long lifecycle assets and businesses, they will have to call into question the sustainability of boom-and-bust, low-cost carriers, or seasonal operations. Are they using the infrastructure efficiently?
Do the full lifecycle economics of the investment stack up, including when factoring in externalities and possibilities of rising carbon prices or regulations?
Not all the goals have a natural link to airport operations, but several do, and they can form a foundation for airport-specific priorities:
No Proverty
Good Health
& Wellbeing
Zero Hunger
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Industry Innovation
& Infrastructure
Reduced Inequality
Sustainable Cities
& Communities
Gender
Equality
Quality
Education
Peace Justice & Strong Institutions
Partnerships
for the Goals
Life
On Land
Life below
Water
Affordable &
Clean Energy
Responsible
Consumption & Production
Climate
Action
Clean Water
& Sanitation
Source: UN SDG