Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) has unveiled its Airport Sustainable Development Strategy, which it says could address the European transport sector’s key challenges.
While the European Union's Sustainable & Smart Mobility Strategy calls for an ambitious shift, towards a potential 90% reduction in emissions in the transport sector by 2050, CPK's approach is to align itself not just with regional but also global objectives.
“Although flights only account for 2% of global climate-related emissions, the impact is indisputable. With our strategy, CPK recognises its global duty to be a responsible partner in shaping sustainable aviation in Europe and beyond. Our vision for this strategy is not just about meeting the standards; it is about incorporating all gradually available technologies that will create a new era in European transport. As the largest transport project in Central and Eastern Europe, CPK brings together a unique combination of air and rail transport, moving towards a significant reduction in emissions from the transport industry,” said Mikołaj Wild, CEO of CPK.
CPK aims to harness emerging technologies to create a new era in European transport
From the first day of operation, CPK will have 'Net Zero Ready Airport' status. This means technical readiness to be powered exclusively from on-site and off-site renewable energy sources for heating, cooling and power supply.
Out of concern for the environment, the CPK airport has been located at a safe distance from protected nature zones, minimising the impact on the local ecosystems. As a result, more than 280,000 residents of Warsaw, for whom the existing inner-city Chopin Airport has been a nuisance for decades, will breathe a sigh of relief, the airport developer said.
“Our efforts are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the EU's strategies in this area. By combining the strengths of rail and air transport, we aim for multimodal and safe mobility that seeks to improve the quality of life and ensure the health and safety of Europeans. Cooperation with partners such as LOT Polish Airlines and dialogue with representatives of the European Commission, IATA, and industry experts, confirms our shared commitment to this progress,’ said Jakub Łoch, Airport Division acting director at CPK.
Commitment to the environment
At the core of the CPK strategy is a sustained commitment to environmental and social goals. The planned infrastructure for the new airport has been designed to reduce noise and pollution, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding habitats. Furthermore, its integration with high-speed rail networks aims to reduce emissions from road transport, creating a seamless, environmentally friendly transition between various modes of transport.
Committed to responsible water and waste management, CPK maximises water reuse through rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment. This approach is based on the principles of a circular economy, built on reuse, recycling and waste recovery.
Future-proof airport infrastructure will also be ready to accommodate next-generation zero-emission planes. Accordingly, space reserve has already been made at the design stage for, among other things, future hydrogen infrastructure. The entire CPK facility has been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, taking into account varying climatic conditions.
CPK's experts submitted an environmental report consisting of about 20,000 pages
Minimising environmental impact
The CPK project is characterised by its drive to minimise environmental impact, as confirmed by the recently obtained positive environmental decision issued by the Regional Director for Environmental Protection in Warsaw. The basis for applying for the decision was an environmental report consisting of about 20,000 pages with appendices. The report is a result of many months of environmental research by the team, among then botanists, ichthyologists, ornithologists, herpetologists (experts in reptiles and amphibians), chiropterologists (bat experts), acousticians, land surveyors and geologists.
Images: Centralny Port Komunikacyjny
