Holistic Green Airport – an opportunity for innovation in smart and sustainable mobility
A new project was approved by the European Commission (EC) to help mitigate the environmental impact of the aviation sector. hOListic Green Airport (OLGA) is based on an integrated approach and started on 1st October 2021. It will develop innovative sustainable measures for reducing both airside and landside emissions, while improving energy efficiency, air quality, biodiversity, and waste management. These solutions support the European Union’s (EU) carbon neutrality ambition and aim to improve quality of life.
In support of the EU Green Deal, several projects will be financed by the EU to facilitate the transition to low-carbon mobility and a climate-resilient society.
One of the projects that will actively contribute to this strategic objective isOLGA. Focusing on boosting environmental performance at airports from flight operations, passenger and freight, and community perspectives, OLGA is uniquely positioned to showcase innovative sustainability measures and to prove scalability and EU-wide applicability.
Four international airports and their local stakeholders are involved in the project: Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Milan Malpensa, Zagreb, and Cluj. Further roll-out of the project results will be ensured by Airport Regions Council (ARC), which is the organisation of cities and regions with an international airport on their territories. In addition, the OLGA project will connect with other EU-funded projects and initiatives focused on green aviation, boosting Europe as a pioneer in smart and sustainable mobility.
Joining forces to significantly contribute to the environmental transition of airports operations OLGA project brings together 57 partners and associated entities which form a diverse consortium gathering a high level of experience and expertise, ranging from large and small airports, airlines and the aeronautic industry to public authorities, researchers and innovative small and medium enterprises focusing on environmental performance.
The project is led by Groupe ADP with Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport as frontrunner. Augustin de Romanet, Chairman and CEO of Groupe ADP stated that “OLGA will be a showcase of our expertise. As main worldwide airports operator, we are already involved in reducing our environmental footprint, contributing to the environmental transition of the airline industry, developing industrial and territorial ecology projects, and reducing the environmental impact of projects on a lifecycle basis.”
Air France, as a partner of the OLGA project and a pioneer in the electrification of ground support equipment fleet at the Paris airports, is a real driving force in clean energy transition and reduction of local emissions thanks to its work on optimisation of electric recharging operations, hydrogen solutions and use of sustainable aviation fuel.
With similar ambitions, Milano Malpensa Airport, part of SEA Milan Airports, will take forward the commitment to decarbonisation. Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports, emphasises that “OLGA drives us to accelerate our efforts on environmental sustainability. Our main focus will be the implementation of initiatives related to the use of hydrogen for both airport vehicles and for connectivity. In addition, we will develop models and solutions for the conservation of biodiversity in the areas surrounding Malpensa airport.”
Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (also managed by Groupe ADP and its subsidiary TAV Airports) and Cluj Airport will be key in demonstrating the replicability of innovations implemented at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport as well as in conducting complementary demonstrations to further boost environmental performance. Huseyin Bahadir Bedir, CEO of Zagreb Airport, stated that “Zagreb Airport is committed to the efforts of applying technological solutions in business processes that will lead to the reduction of pollution and noise. This approach will directly contribute to improving the quality of life of the local and wider communities”. Cluj Airport and its local partners will also “focus on innovation mobility actions, on energy efficiency and renewable technologies for its Terminals. Smart connectivity with Cluj-Napoca city, one of the 2020 finalists of the European Capital of Innovation Award, will yield a green airport-city transformation”, explains David Ciceo, CEO of Cluj Airport.
The project also includes an Advisory Board (AB) consisting of 27 members including academia, aeronautic and mobility companies, airports, industry, and territorial administrations. The AB members are to provide feedback on project activities, share expertise, and assess project results.
A holistic approach to reduce environmental impact of aviation
With a total budget of 34 million euros, out of which 25 million euros will be granted by the European Commission over a period of 60 months, OLGA partners will seek to solve the challenge of significantly reducing the environmental impact of the air transportation sector as a whole.
It is expected that the OLGA project will rapidly achieve quantifiable advances, thus accelerating the exploitation of results. The efforts and innovative measures of OLGA will lead to CO2 reduction, air quality improvement, and biodiversity preservation, while involving the entire value chain of the aviation sector. The OLGA results will further generate positive impacts at societal, environmental and economic levels which will spread at local, national and EU scales.
For more information, please access the follwoing link: OLGA | hOListic Green Airport (olga-project.eu )
Members of the Core Team
Her activity combines excellence in applied engineering with a solid scientific research activity. As a certified specialist, she is involved in the development of energy audits for complex buildings and the implementation of the nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standard for new and existing buildings, using a holistic approach and Building Energy Modelling (BEM), to propose and assess technical solutions for the building envelope, HVAC systems, domestic hot water, lighting, and renewable energy systems, with the aim of improving overall building energy performance and reducing the carbon footprint. She has made a significant contribution to the implementation of the nZEB concept in public buildings in Romania.
Her scientific research addresses building energy efficiency through advanced thermo-technical simulations, numerical methods, and the application of Artificial Intelligence techniques in civil engineering and thermal engineering. She acts as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals (ISI indexed) and, since 2014, has been a member of international research teams in European-funded projects (financed through the programs Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, IEE), including OLGA, Blueprint for NetZeroCities, SMEmPowerEfficiency, RE-COGNITION, MEnS, and neZEH.
In the OLGA project, she developed and coordinated the technical task and deliverable regarding the dynamic hourly energy analysis and calibration of the Arrivals Terminal, with the assessment of energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions, using genetic algorithms. Starting March 2026, she is the project coordinator on behalf of Cluj-Napoca International Airport.
Dr. Ancuța Măgurean
He served as General Director of Transylvania International Airport for nearly two decades, where he led major infrastructure modernization initiatives, including the airport Master Plan, cargo development, environmental impact reduction programs, and multimodal transport integration. His leadership contributed significantly to regional connectivity and economic development.
Dr. Runcan holds a PhD in Management, focused on ecotourism and airport regional development, and has completed multiple advanced certifications through IATA, including Airport Operations, Safety Management Systems, and Certification & Standards. His professional activity has extended beyond national boundaries through active involvement in international organizations. He has contributed to aviation and regional development policies as a member of various European(ACI,ARC) and global bodies(AAIE,IMMTA), gaining valuable insight into best practices, policy frameworks, and collaborative approaches across diverse contexts. In parallel, he has worked extensively as a consultant in tourism and transport, contributing to national strategies and policy development. This dual focus has allowed him to actively promote the integration of aviation and tourism as complementary drivers of economic development.
His expertise extends to environmental sustainability and ecotourism, where he led initiatives under the Natura 2000 program, focusing on biodiversity conservation and protected area governance in the Gurghiu Valley. He also contributed to European research programs, including the FP7 ATOM project, aimed at enhancing airport security through innovative multi-sensor systems. He was included in the Cluj Airport team that initiated the OLGA research project, where he returned in February 2026 as communication manager, carrying out activities to implement and replicate the project, seeking to continue and expand the research topic with current and new partners.
Petru Ștefan Runcan
Her work aligns with the airport’s strategic objectives regarding environmental protection, which focus on complying with European and international regulations while anticipating future requirements in the field. In this context, she actively contributes to preventing and reducing the environmental impact generated by air traffic and airport operations.
Her main areas of activity include monitoring noise levels and implementing measures to reduce noise pollution, minimizing pollutant emissions into air, water, and soil, optimizing energy and natural resource consumption, and preventing risks associated with hazardous substances such as de-icing fluids, aircraft fuel, and oils. She also plays an important role in waste management, ensuring proper collection, tracking, and disposal in accordance with applicable legislation.
Since 2025, she has been involved in the OLGA research project, contributing to its technical implementation. Through her work, she supports the airport’s commitment to sustainability and alignment with European environmental standards.
Maria Loredana Rețe
His current role places him at the intersection of operational performance and technical sustainability. He oversee the maintenance and functionality of airport equipment and systems, with a strong focus on optimizing energy use, improving operational efficiency, and supporting initiatives aligned with environmental and sustainability objectives. This experience provides him with practical insight into the challenges and opportunities related to reducing CO₂ emissions in airport environments. His professional background includes extensive leadership roles within the Ministry of National Defence, as well as experience in public administration and crisis response coordination. Participation in international missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Mali has strengthened my ability to work in multinational teams, adapt to complex environments, and contribute effectively under pressure—competencies that are highly relevant in collaborative EU research projects.
Academically, he hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Management and a Master’s Degree in Mission and Ministry through Sign Language. He has also completed specialized training in crisis management, international humanitarian law, civil protection, and security systems. These qualifications complement his operational expertise and support a structured and analytical approach to problem-solving.
Within the context of an EU research project on airport CO₂ reduction, he bring practical expertise in technical systems management, operational coordination, and risk assessment. He is particularly interested in contributing to the implementation of innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support the transition toward more sustainable airport operations. He is recognized for his integrity, adaptability, and results-oriented mindset, as well as his ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within multidisciplinary and international teams. He is motivated to actively support the objectives of the project and to contribute to the development of sustainable, future-oriented aviation practices.
George Moldovan
Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in managing projects funded by non-reimbursable funds, serving as a financial officer for projects such as “Holistic Green Airports” and “PEO-PACT Aero,” where she ensures the management of financial operations, report preparation, and budget monitoring.
She holds a bachelor's degree in economic sciences and a master’s degree in management, complemented by certifications in accounting, human resources, and IT applications.
Mrs.Delia Carmen Sălăjan stands out for her professionalism, sense of responsibility, organizational and adaptability skills, as well as a well-developed analytical mindset, being a results-oriented and efficiency-driven individual.
Delia Carmen Sălăjan
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