Guiding the aviation industry towards a sustainable & resilient future

The future of aviation depends on the industry’s ability to channel its history of innovation into a more sustainable future. With 75 years’ experience in airport consultancy, we are at the forefront of this challenge. We help define sustainability & ESG strategies, design climate-resilient solutions and facilitate change programmes so that airport ecosystems can meet the expectations of this generation, and the next.

Sustainable aviation: The journey begins

The aviation industry faces significant challenges in maintaining business continuity, adhering to regulatory compliance, and addressing societal concerns.

Ensuring uninterrupted operations is crucial, yet the industry must navigate complex regulations and standards. Additionally, societal expectations for environmental responsibility and ethical practices are higher than ever, putting pressure on aviation companies to adopt sustainable and transparent practices. Meeting these expectations is essential for maintaining the industry's license to operate.

The industry must continuously adapt and innovate to find the delicate balance between operational efficiency, legal adherence, and social accountability.

Impact

• Asset damage due to weather and extreme climate events

• Financial risks related to existing operations and expected revenues

• Unforeseen external non-market challenges to current business model

Sustainable aviation set to take off

By adopting sustainable practices, managing environmental impact, and engaging with stakeholders, the aviation industry can ensure a resilient and eco-friendly future, and secure its license to operate.

Airports must assess the anticipated disruptions into every aspect of their strategy, planning, design, construction, and operations. This holistic approach enhances operational efficiency and builds trust with public and regulatory bodies, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

1. Alternative fuel advisory

• E-flight

• Hydrogen

• SAF

2. Sustainability & ESG

• Sustainability & ESG decarbonisation roadmaps

3. Climate resilience

• Climate risk assessments

• Climate adaption plans

We embed sustainability & resilience into all our services including Airport master planning, Airport infrastructure and Airport building design.

Delivering tailored made solutions for sustainable & climate resilience airports

Our added value on three levels

Cutting through the complexity around sustainable aviation

We facilitate seamless transition from high-level strategy to successful implementation

Using integrated expertise to deliver sustainability for future-ready airports

Solutions for Level 1: Cutting through the complexity around sustainable aviation

Policy and strategy

Alternative fuels

Technology and energy solutions

• Identification of market trends

• Technical feasibility studies

• Market and commercial potential assessment

• Regulatory adaption/ adoption requirements for airlines and airports

Sustainability and ESG

Targets, priorities and action plans

• Sustainability management plans

• Sustainability and ESG strategies

• Decarbonisation roadmaps

• Sustainability programme development

• Grant assistance

• Green procurement

Climate Resilience

• Climate change projections

• Climate change risk assessments (CCRAs)

• Climate change vulnerability assessments

• Climate change adaptation pathways

Solutions for Level 2: We facilitate seamless transition from high-level strategy to successful implementation

Planning and design

Sustainable master planning

Integrated approach to sustainability

• Renewable energy plan

• Environmental management

• Future propulsion technologies

• Downstream assessments on operational procedural impact

• Solar, geothermal, hydrogen and electric network planning

• Storm water drainage master plans

Sustainable buildings

Integration of innovation

• Green and circular building design

• Design certification and administration

• Climate resilient building designs

• Construction planning

• Impact of innovative and sustainable building design for CX for both airlines and airports

Solutions for Level 3: Using integrated expertise to deliver sustainability for future-ready airports

Operations

Provide workshop & trainings for capacity building through NACO Aviation Academy.

Alternative Fuels

• Electric & Hydrogen Safety assessments for operations permits

• Develop an implementation and action plan

• Program management to successful implementation across aviation ecosystem

Sustainability & ESG

• Developing carbon, water, waste, noise management plans

• Develop ESG implementation plans

• Develop monitoring system to assess progress on ambitions set and metrics to measure performance.

Climate Resilience

• Business continuity plans

• Emergency preparedness plans

• Climate risk monitoring tools & dashboards

Future standard: helping your airport achieve regulatory requirements

We have extensive experience working with relevant international protocols and standards such as the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, Airport Carbon Accreditation levels, IFRS ISSB, SBTi, and IPCC guidelines.

2024 - present

European Commission Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation

NACO actively supports EC AZEA's objectives by participating in working groups to identify and prioritize challenges posed by zero-emission aircraft, including impacts on design, fuels, infrastructure, and operations. We propose practical solutions to ensure a smooth transition to novel propulsion technologies. Additionally, we prepare the market for these advancements by addressing changes in airline business models and operational strategies, facilitating the adoption of zero-emission aircraft and promoting sustainable aviation practices.

2023 – present

ACI World: Global ESG reporting framework

The evolving global regulatory landscape is driving ESG reporting adoption in the airport industry, influencing investment behaviour. ACI World was looking for a strategic partner to support them in developing an ESG reporting framework, guiding airports globally in their ESG journey. The focus of the project is to align global reporting practices and shed light on topics material to the further advancement of reporting and consequently the ambitions of airports globally. The scope of the project includes focus group discussions, regular industry exchange, cross-industry workshops and conferences to satisfy users and end-users of the final document.

2022 – 2023

Global Study on Disaster resilience of airports

NACO was commissioned by the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure to explore disaster risk management and resilience at airports globally. The key challenge was to understand the risks and impacts of extreme events and disasters on airports worldwide. NACO conducted an online survey of 81 airports and engaged 150 representatives to understand the risks and impacts of extreme events. The study mapped practices, identified threats to resilience, and suggested actions for the aviation industry. We provided a comprehensive view of disaster resilience worldwide and by region, offering suggestions to enhance resilience to climate-related hazards.

It’s time to act. If airports and airlines want to achieve their sustainability and resilience goals, we need to put strategy into action to ensure business continuity, comply with regulations, and obtain our license to operate.

Vivekanandhan SindhamaniHead of Sustainable Aviation & Resilience

Alternative fuels challenges and opportunities

White Paper

Electric Flying Masterplan

- Get insights into the current status and future of electric flying - Explore the challenges and opportunities of e-flights

White Paper

Preparing airports for hydrogen flight

- Get insights into the impact of hydrogen-powered aviation on an airport environment - Explore the challenges and opportunities of hydrogen air fuel.

White Paper

Guiding airports for SAF strategy implementation

Get insights into the impact of SAF on an airport environment, with a particular focus on the role it could play and how it can connect with airlines.