The Wonders of Changi Airport

THE WONDERS OF CHANGI AIRPORT

Author: Katherine Pretorius

Undoubtedly, airports often feel like mini cities buzzing with hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. You could live in Singapore's Changi Airport for a week without leaving your terminal! Nevertheless, airports consume a lot of energy with their 24/7 buzz and activities, and that's why much thought is put into how the environment can be better protected in Changi.

Welcoming you with foliage of green
Before even setting foot into Changi's terminals, you'd find your journey to the airport quite scenic — lined with trees on both sides of the roads and the control tower. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, these trees also help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

But the greenery doesn't stop there. Step indoors, and you'll find yourself always near a garden or lush foliage wall — which not only soothes the soul but reduces carbon footprint all at the same time.

Powered with natural lights
If you're in Terminal 3, take a look up! Rather than simply being an architectural feature, you see an intelligent lighting system that controls the amount of daylight entering the building. On overcast days, the skylights close their panels to allow maximum light while blocking out excessive sunlight on sunny days. You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D while staying cool all day because even the windows are double-glazed.

In addition to the same technology, Changi's newest terminal (T4) is also state-of-the-art. In common areas, corridors and restrooms, LED lighting is also used to conserve electricity - and it dims itself during off-peak hours!

Using clean energy to move your luggage
The 26 fast charging stations leave the 80 baggage tractors powered up for operations.
Over 62 million passengers pass through Changi annually, with more than 7,200 flights per week. Imagine the amount of luggage! Baggage tractors powered by clean energy move your luggage from one end to the other consciously and effortlessly.

Building pavements with recycled concrete
The average lifespan of recycled concrete pavement is 20-25 years.
Another thing worth looking for is the aircraft parking stands made from recycled concrete.
The unique formula of recycled concrete is used around Changi — for aircraft parking spaces, roadways, pavements and drains.

Producing clean water from food waste
Changi has 11 transformers that recycle food waste into clean water.

It may sound like magic, but digester and microbes break down food waste to produce clean water used throughout the airport.

Food waste is broken down to produce clean water. It may sound like magic, but digesters and microbes do all the work. They are capable of breaking down 20kg of food waste every hour.

Airports consume so much energy, often leaving travellers needing some shuteye. At Changi, you can rest, enjoy a warm meal and move from one terminal to another comfortably and efficiently.

While waiting to jet off to enjoy the marvels of the world's natural wonders, remember that it's also our responsibility to preserve the beauty of Mother Nature. So, the next time you visit Changi, take a moment to reflect on its wonders and remember that you are in one of the greenest and best airports in the world.

CAG has committed to connect the world sustainably and responsibly. Following its efforts before the pandemic, it will continuously look at how it can strengthen its systems and processes and unlock innovations to reduce its environmental impact.