Because of its size and significance in terms of transportation, the operation of FRA has an impact on the environment. Therefore, Fraport AG made environmental conservation a corporate principle as long ago as 1972. In the meantime, we have developed a powerful environmental management unit and introduced an environmental management system based on key performance indicators.
Airport expansion also requires a differentiated approach to environmental planning, which analyzes and optimizes both the construction and operation of the new facilities under environmental aspects. In this context, the compensatory measures required by law play a major role. The trees to be felled to make way for the new runway must be re-planted on an area of corresponding size elsewhere. Wherever possible, these reforestation programs will be carried out as close as possible to the airport and will be of high ecological quality.
Reforestation
Under the forestry law of the state of Hesse, the trees cut down to make way for the airport expansion must be compensated for in the form of substitute reforestation. Although substitution in the immediate surroundings is only seldom possible, we strive to plan this reforestation as close as possible to the airport. Another criterion when planning and realizing such compensatory measures is the quality of the woodland to be created. For instance, as early as the 1980s, Fraport AG bought approx. 100 hectares (247 acres) of intensively used agricultural land in Trebur, close to the Rhine River, and reforested it. This created not only new woodlands, but also a new local leisure and recreation area.
Reforestation on a scale of over 300 hectares (741 acres) is planned in tandem with the forthcoming airport expansion. Suitable areas in Frankfurt and the counties of Gross Gerau, Darmstadt-Dieburg, Main-Kinzig and Offenbach have been earmarked for this purpose. In total, Fraport AG is planning to invest €100 million in reforestation and compensatory measures under the nature conservation law in connection with FRA's expansion.
