“Waste is a design flaw.” – Kate Krebs
In the evolving aviation industry, one of the most promising game-changers is urban mining – the innovative practice of “harvesting” materials from buildings set for demolition. This concept is not only a sustainable solution but also offers transformative opportunities in the design and construction of airport buildings.
How does urban mining benefit airport design?
Urban mining offers several benefits for airport construction, including:
- Reducing waste by reusing materials from demolished buildings
- Lowering CO2 emissions through the reuse of steel, aluminum, and other materials
- Contributing to a circular economy by preventing resource depletion
- Potentially lowering costs by using salvaged materials instead of sourcing new ones
- Aligning with sustainability goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions
Case study: Checkpoint 90 at Schiphol airport
One exceptional example of urban mining in action is the circular design of Checkpoint 90 at Schiphol Airport. This innovative project utilized construction materials and assets salvaged from the demolition of two Schiphol buildings. The reuse of steel for the canopy, upcycled doors and doorframes, and other reclaimed materials such as luminaires, ceiling tiles, fire hose reels, and more, illustrate the effectiveness of a circular approach. In addition, roofing materials were repurposed to produce new asphalt at Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
Royal Schiphol Group’s Circular Vision
Royal Schiphol Group is leading the way in integrating circularity into airport design, aiming for all its airports to be fully circular by 2050. “Taking a circular approach is so important for us. Not only in terms of our own operations but also with the bigger picture in mind – preventing depletion of the earth, putting a brake on production. We all must learn to think and act in a circular way in order to secure our future,” says Ronald Lunstroo, Senior Airport Developer at Schiphol.
Embracing circularity: The key to sustainable airport design
Shifting to a circular mindset is crucial to successful urban mining in airport construction. As Ronald Lunstroo explains, collaboration across the entire construction chain is essential: “To meet our objectives for circular projects on time and on budget, we must work together with our partners, ensuring that everyone sees the benefits of this approach.” The Checkpoint 90 project exemplifies this collaborative success.
The future of urban mining in aviation
Urban mining presents an exciting opportunity for the aviation industry to achieve net-zero goals while creating beautiful, functional airport designs. The design of Checkpoint 90 has struck a perfect balance between aesthetics and sustainability, scoring highly on the Building Circularity Index (BCI), while adhering to the airport’s visual quality standards.
Schiphol’s efforts to develop a circular economy handbook are already underway, with the Checkpoint 90 project serving as a prime example for shaping future sustainability efforts. This initiative aims to inspire the entire aviation industry and encourage collaboration toward a more sustainable, circular future.
A game-changer for airport infrastructure
Urban mining is not just an innovative solution for airport design – it represents a transformative opportunity for the aviation industry at large. By embracing circularity and involving all stakeholders in the process, airports can unlock new possibilities for sustainability. Schiphol’s circular approach demonstrates how rethinking design and construction practices can result in tangible, long-lasting benefits for both the environment and the industry.
By giving urban mining the attention it deserves, airports worldwide can pave the way for a more sustainable future, where every material is valued, and every resource is used to its full potential. The future of airport design is circular, and Schiphol is leading the charge.
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