Protecting water and soil
We are fully aware of the impact of the daily airport operations and the pollution they generate. We work ambitiously to reduce this environmental impact on our sites and surroundings, including marine and freshwater ecosystems.
We actively map and monitor environmental pollutants present in the soil and in all types of water at our sites, while implementing containment and treatment measures to the best of our ability. We utilise the ongoing development of technical solutions for collecting and treating water from various airport activities, while also focusing on the reuse of water resources.
PFAS contamination
When operating an airport, it is essential to ensure the safety of everyone, which is why Copenhagen Airport and Roskilde Airport have their own fire brigades. They must always be ready to respond to emergencies and are required to practice extinguishing fires in aircraft, among other scenarios. Both airports have therefore regularly conducted fire drills using firefighting foam containing PFOS compounds.
However, as early as 2008, we made the decision to cease the use of firefighting foam containing any PFAS compounds, including PFOS. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam was legal until 2024, provided it did not contain PFOS/PFOA compounds. PFOS-containing firefighting foam was legal for use until 2011.
Unfortunately, the prior use of foam containing PFOS compounds has been found to have contaminated the soil in the areas where fire drills were conducted. The contaminants spread through the soil and further disseminated via the airport's surface water systems, among others.
At Copenhagen Airports, we are acutely aware of the problem. Since 2010, we have undertaken a significant number of surveys and initiatives to prevent the contaminants from reaching drinking water resources and surrounding areas, streams, and the sea. We continue to work diligently to find solutions and have, among other measures, installed four water treatment plants to address PFAS pollution. We also maintain a close dialogue with the authorities regarding specific contamination issues and contribute our knowledge and experience.
On our timeline, you can explore the activities we have undertaken since 2008 to combat PFAS pollution. Below, you can find some general facts about PFAS and PFOS contamination in Denmark.
Reused water resources
Both we and our partners use many cubic metres of water every year to run Copenhagen Airports and service the passengers. We therefore have a responsibility to draw as little as possible on water resources by reducing our total water consumption.
For many years, we have focused on using secondary (recycled) water, wherever possible, instead of drawing on precious groundwater resources. Secondary water does not meet the standards for clean drinking water but can be used for other purposes, such as cooling server rooms or flushing toilets.
Secondary water now accounts for around one in every four cubic metres of water used at the airport, reducing our consumption of treated groundwater by around 120,000 cubic metres annually.
Follow secondary water’s journey through the airport in the illustration below.