Sustainability Committee: Westchester Airport Master Plan Should Strive for Triple Zero

Submitted by The Greenwich Sustainability Committee

An Open Letter to the Honorable George Latimer, Westchester County Executive, and April Gasparri, General Manager, Westchester County Airport:

Before the public comment period for the Westchester County Airport Master Plan draws to a close, the Greenwich Sustainability Committee urges Westchester County to embrace a vision beyond compliance and integrate sustainability into the airport master plan. For example, San Francisco International Airport is striving to become the first airport to be triple zero: zero carbon, zero waste and zero net energy. The Federal Aviation Administration has sustainability planning and grant programs in place to assist airports in the development of such comprehensive plans.

We urge you to adopt sustainable energy practices like using renewable energy and  investing in energy-efficient technology. For example installing photovoltaic panels on the roof and canopies over the parking lots, direct night-time lighting to support dark skies, and encouraging the use of low-carbon aviation fuel. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, can significantly reduce the airport’s carbon footprint.

Secondly, the significant amount of waste generated by aviation is alarming. We would like to see the airport adopt a zero-waste policy. For example, eliminating the sale of plastic water bottles, as other airports have, in favor of water refill stations. And, implementing comprehensive recycling and composting programs that include the airlines. These initiatives and others, can help divert waste from landfills, conserve natural resources, and save energy.

Residents in the surrounding communities are entitled to a peaceful and healthy living environment. It is the airport’s responsibility to ensure that the operations of the airport do not cause undue harm.  This includes ensuring that airport growth is consistent with the surroundings, adherence to noise abatement routes and to the “voluntary curfew”, among other things. The negative impact of airport noise and pollution on the health and well-being of nearby communities cannot be overstated. The airport should report publicly on non compliance of noise abatement procedures.  Surrounding communities, including Greenwich should be invited to join the Airport Advisory Board. 

The airport should phase out the use of leaded fuel, as other airports have. Areas near airports that use leaded fuel can be impacted by lead particles, according to a 2020 report from the EPA. Lead has been proven to have a detrimental impact on children’s brains and nervous systems.

We urge Westchester County Airport to become a role model, and promote sustainable practices that will benefit the environment, the community, and the airport. 

Respectfully,

The Greenwich Sustainability Committee