February 2nd, 2010
Hydrogen Convergence delivers twice the Value for Airports
As readers of the ebTDesign Forum and loyal twitter followers know, hydrogen convergence will provide airport management and airlines with a hedge against radical changes in energy prices. Hydrogen Convergence will also provide the air traveling public and surrounding community with reduced noise pollution.
Many in the cleantech sector can cite the benefits of hydrogen convergence as a means of reducing the carbon footprint of a given facility. But very few are as quick to recognize the benefits of noise reduction when building their case for early investment. This is understandable because most non-readers can only visualize fuel cell usage in airplanes at airports.
Noise restrictions limit the development of prime commercial real estate. Adjacent properties are made unviable because of sound proofing requirements. These limitations cost local communities millions and even tens of millions in potential tax revenues and multiplies airport expansion costs by increasing land use requirements.
Further, busy executives would cherish the opportunity of living closer to airports. This would reduce their commutes and positively enhance their lifestyle choices. Put simply, any significant noise reduction would immediately increase the property value of surrounding neighborhoods and benefit all involved.
Zachary Alexander
Concepts: airports, fuel cell, hydrogen, noise reduction