The new AOA Environmental Guidance Manual for airports has been published, click here to download the pdf.

The Manual consists of two main elements. The first element gives an overview of key themes that form an integral part of how an airport should interact with its environment. This consists of sections that provide:

• A review of relevant policy, legislation and best practice;
• A guide to Environmental Management Systems;
• A guide to good practice principals of environmental assessment, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• A review of key issues associated with 'sustainability', including Sustainability Appraisal and sustainable construction.
• A section on masterplanning and good design.

The second element provides a series of technical guidance notes on a wide range of environmental topics. Each of these notes has a common format and identifies the issues associated with the topic, why action is needed, suggestions on how to take action, example key performance indicators, case studies, other useful sources of information, and references used.

The following technical guidance notes reflected in the 2006 EGM reflect the important developments that have occurred in areas such as emissions trading and environmental legislation.

• Biodiversity;
• Climate Change;
• Community Matters;
• Land Quality;
• Cultural Heritage
• Emissions to Air;
• Landscape Management;
• Noise;
• Supply Chain Management;
• Surface Access;
• Use of Water and Energy;
• Waste; and
• Water Management and Pollution Prevention.

It is expected that the Environmental Guidance Manual will be endorsed by leading third-party organisations such as the Environment Agency, and will become the major environmental management resource for airports, their stakeholder groups, and planning authorities. We intend to continually monitor and update the manual as new techniques and information come to light, and we welcome the comments and views of everyone in and around the airport community. Please send your comments to chrisgoater@aoa.org.uk

Click here to download the pdf.