Software for airports to measure and analyse their operational carbon footprint has been launched by the UK’s ANSP NATS.
The Clarity dashboard will allow airports to track and record the carbon impact of different aspects of their operation and understand the relative effectiveness of future sustainability initiatives or investments.
Currently still in development, NATS believes the tool will help airports to achieve net zero emissions by providing detailed evidence of the value of a whole range of environmental initiatives.
Clarity takes in a range of operational data and combines it with a modelling capability to visualise and quantify any carbon savings and costs. This will help airports to understand the cost per tonne of carbon saved and map out the most effective plan towards reducing emissions.
Guy Adams, NATS Services managing director said, “We know airports are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously, but we also understand that sometimes it’s hard to know which changes are going to reap the biggest gains. Clarity will allow airports to identify the most effective changes, have evidence-based conversations and make informed investments for a more sustainable future.”
Guy Adams added: “Resources are never infinite, so we want Clarity to support airports in making evidence-based decisions, ensuring their environmental priorities are balanced against the realities of maintaining day-to-day operational efficiency.”
Clarity will be able to model emissions for both ground and airborne operations up to 3000ft, taking into account aircraft engine emissions broken down by phase, as well as APU usage and the impact of non-CO2 emissions. It will present that alongside a financial calculator, showing potential savings from reduced fuel burn, the cost of carbon and any known local tax incentives.
NATS said Clarity will be able to discern the relative benefits of a wide range of environmental initiatives, including the impact of new ground handling procedures, the installation of fixed-electrical ground power or the introduction of time-based spacing for arriving aircraft. It will also help airports understand the impact of any changes on operational efficiency.
“NATS has a long track record of working with airports to enhance runway capacity. We’re now applying that same expertise to sustainability, and I believe we are well-placed to support airports in making these important choices,” Adams added.
Clarity is being developed and marketed by NATS Services. the unregulated business which provides air traffic control services at many of the UK’s major airports.