Environmental Initiatives

Environmental Efforts at KID

Kristianstad Österlen Airport strives to take responsibility for the environmental and climate impact caused by its operations and has a deep commitment to the environment.

The aviation industry’s contribution to climate impact is not fully certain yet, but according to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), aviation globally accounts for approximately four percent of greenhouse gas emissions. This is still considerably lower than emissions from road transportation and meat production. As the aviation industry continues to grow, and both individuals and businesses become more globalized, this percentage is expected to rise. Therefore, it’s important to take action now to reduce the overall emissions from the aviation sector.

Intensive efforts are underway to reduce aviation emissions, both in Sweden, within the EU, and on a global scale. The industry is developing more fuel-efficient engines, creating environmentally efficient airspace and flight routes, and working on developing biofuels for aviation. At the international level, there’s a focus on implementing market-based measures for aviation, such as carbon offsetting and other economic incentives.

What We Do

The climate impact of aviation doesn’t just happen in the air; airports themselves have effects on climate and other environmental aspects through their operations. Kristianstad Österlen Airport is municipally owned and is therefore aligned with the environmental goals of the municipalities. The airport already has established environmental practices regarding waste management, chemical handling, and leakage from runways.

Furthermore, the airport has undertaken energy efficiency measures. Over the past five years, electricity consumption has decreased by 17 percent, from 1.8 million kWh to 1.5 million kWh annually. These energy efficiency improvements have been implemented through smarter lighting, with unoccupied areas automatically dimmed. Additionally, a more efficient heating system and a new cooling system, known as a free cooling system, have been installed.

Our Passengers

Even our passengers’ journeys to and from us can make a difference, and we want to offer them the opportunity to travel to the airport using public transportation to reduce climate-related emissions. Skånetrafiken’s bus lines Sk E3 and Sk E4 connect Kristianstad – Kristianstad Österlen Airport – Simrishamn/Tomelilla Ystad. For those arriving in an electric vehicle, there are designated charging stations available for parking.

Future

Our environmental efforts are an ongoing project, and we’re also doing our best to equip ourselves for a greener aviation future. For instance, we’ve upgraded our electrical grid, and in collaboration with Kristianstad Municipality and C4 Energi, we’re working on a potential solar panel park installation on our premises.

We’re also continuing our participation in the Grön Flygplats (Green Airport) project, which is entering its next phase – 2.0.

Today, Kristianstad Österlen Airport’s operations are 97% fossil-free!