Munich Airport (MUC) is dimming its lights and turning the heating down to save energy. The move comes after Germany unveiled a set of energy-saving measures for businesses and consumers, part of efforts to reduce its reliance on gas from Russia.
How to save gas and reduce energy use has become a heated debate in Germany after Russia invaded Ukraine and restricted supplies, leading to fears that there may not be enough gas to heat homes in the winter.
To do its bit, Munich Airport, a major hub for Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA), said it had already turned off 7,000 lights around the airport, including those that light up the M logo on the way to the airport. The distinctive fiberglass membrane roof over the Munich Airport Center is also not being illuminated any more.
“It’s one of the most visible measures that FMG is taking to reduce consumption at the airport in light of the current situation on the energy market,” airport operator FMG said in a press release on August 31, 2022.
The roof at the MAC. Credit: Munich Airport
The savings from switching off thousands of lights across the airport are equivalent to the energy consumption of approximately 850 households, FMG summarized.
And if you’re traveling through the airport this winter, don’t forget your coat. The terminals at Munich Airport, like other public buildings across Germany, will be heated to a maximum of 19 degrees Centigrade (66 Fahrenheit).
FMG said it had also set up a special team to work on other measures to reduce energy consumption.