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Committee approves airport 'scope 1' carbon accreditation policy
Summary
The Human Resource Insurance Committee voted to approve an airport carbon accreditation policy focused on 'scope 1' emissions under airport control; the director said approval is required to submit for accreditation and that the policy does not obligate immediate spending.
The Human Resource Insurance Committee of the Manchester Board Mayor & Aldermen voted to approve an airport carbon accreditation policy that targets the airport's direct, on-site emissions.
Director Kitchens, the airport director, told the committee the policy focuses on "scope 1" emissions — activities directly within airport control — and cited vehicle replacements and building systems as likely targets. "Again, remember, this is just scope 1," Kitchens said, adding the policy "is not obligate us to any cost right now," and that any purchases, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, would be considered only after a benefit-cost analysis.
The policy outlines measures the airport can implement as assets reach the end of their life cycle, Kitchens said, and noted the airport already has solar panels on its parking garage. Responding to a question from Alderman Theriault about additional measures, Kitchens said the airport is discussing leasing irregular parcels of land to developers for solar arrays and is reviewing aging HVAC units that use obsolete refrigerants.
Committee members discussed timing for the accreditation submission. Kitchens said committee approval is needed to submit the policy to the accreditation authority and asked the members to move forward so the airport can pursue accreditation. Members agreed to report out in two weeks to allow others time to review the materials.
A formal motion to grant approval of the policy was moved and seconded (mover recorded in the meeting as "Alderman Birkisch" with a second recorded as "Alderman Terry"). The committee voted verbally in favor with 'ayes' and the chairman declared the motion carried; specific vote tallies were not recorded in the transcript. With no further business, the committee approved a motion to adjourn.
The committee's action allows the airport to proceed with submitting the policy for accreditation review; further decisions about specific investments or contracts will depend on future benefit-cost analyses or separate funding approvals.
