The Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) and KEMA have developed a model that can help to improve air quality at airports. The LEAS-it/STACKS+ model takes account of all the activities that give rise to emissions at and around an airport.

Environmental considerations play an increasingly important role in public debate about air traffic and airports – and in the related government decision-making. In this setting, detailed and reliable environmental information is invaluable. And the LEAS-iT/STACKS model developed by KEMA and NLR provides just such information. It gives an accessible four-dimensional picture of the emissions of fine dust (PM10), sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Using detailed meteorological data, sophisticated software and a carefully defined methodology, the model can accurately predict the concentrations and dispersal of these substances on an hour-by-hour basis. It can visualize fine dust and NO2 emissions not only from aircraft and land vehicles, but also NO2 from terminal building heating systems. These and other functionalities make LEAS-iT/STACKS a powerful tool, with which airport authorities can characterize air quality at and around their facilities.

NLR and KEMA have pooled their considerable expertise to develop this model. KEMA has many years’ experience in the performance of environmental studies for industry. NLR has an impressive track record in the field of the measurement and analysis of air traffic-related noise and emissions.