Optimised water services contract allows Edinburgh Airport to improve sustainability

Edinburgh Airport has signed a 12 year water services contract with Veolia to manage and optimise the airport’s water network.

The Veolia contract will help Edinburgh Airport achieve improved sustainability via an optimised water network management and maintenance service. The Airport uses 18.5 km of mains to distribute water services to passenger terminal facilities, cargo terminal, engineering buildings and a hotel. According to Veolia, the new management contract will both reduce the risk of water leakage, and ensure the network is operated in line with today’s water industry standards. Veolia will also operate the water network, monitor water quality and bill tenants.

The Airport sustainability performance will be improved by more efficient operation of the distribution system that will also reduce energy usage and CO2 emissions in line with the Airport’s environmental targets.

A wide range of operational services have been developed to manage the Airport’s water supply.  These include developing and maintaining a smart meter infrastructure across the Airport and mapping all of the water assets on a Geographic Information System (GIS).  Close management of these two systems will ensure that the Airport has access to live data on both water use and on the status of its water assets.  To reduce the requirement for reactive maintenance, Veolia will also develop a long term asset management plan to ensure that the network is always kept in a good condition. 

Mains Water Sensor

The Airport is currently implementing a £125 million, five-year investment programme that includes additional retail in the landside terminal and departure lounge, improved check-in and immigration facilities.  The growth will be supported with an expanded water network.

John Abraham, Veolia’s Chief Operating Officer, UK Water said: “The use of innovative smart services and operational optimisation on the water networks at Edinburgh Airport will bring real benefits to the management of this vital utility service.  This will ensure the quality and delivery of the water supply, minimise water loss and enhance sustainability.  All of these benefits will help to support the Airport’s future growth plans.”