More and more airports throughout the United States are making moves to go towards a greener business and reduce the amount of carbon they are emitting into the atmosphere.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been recognized as one of four airports in North America to reach carbon neutrality. Carbon neutrality means having a balance between the carbon that is emitted and absorbed. This airport has acquired a Level 3+ Accreditation by Airports Council International, North America’s Airport Credit Accreditation Program.
Gina Fiandaca, Assistant City Manager, insists that having a carbon-neutral airport is a significant milestone for the city of Austin. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport plays a critical role in supporting the citywide goals and efforts to combat climate change. The city will work to cut emissions by 2030, with a goal of achieving net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Fiandaca applauds Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s commitment to combatting climate change and being a leader in environmental stewardship.
Reaching a Level 3+ accreditation means the Austin airport has reduced its emissions as much as possible and has successfully offset residual emissions by investing in and implementing projects that reduce carbon emissions. These combined efforts have led to a nearly fully carbon-neutral airport operation. The airport’s strong environmental and sustainability portfolio helps achieve carbon neutrality and minimizes impacts on the environment and includes:
- A partnership with Austin Energy to generate 1.8 megawatts of renewable solar energy on the airport campus. This energy provides power to the airport and over 150 local homes through the Community Solar Program
- A partnership with Signature Flight Support to accept the first-ever delivery of Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport earlier this year
- Using 100% renewable energy in the Barbara Jordan Terminal through Austin Energy’s Green Choice Program
- Using renewable natural gas to power the airport’s shuttle bus fleet and piloting a renewable has credit sharing program with Clean Energy to help other airport partners in reducing their emissions
- Receiving Gold LEED Green Building certifications on several buildings on the airport’s campus, including the 2019 nine-gate expansion and administration building
- Achieving an Austin Energy Green Building 3-star rating on the newest completed airport facility, the Airport Career and Development Center
- Purchasing renewable energy and carbon offsets from sustainable sources and promoting The Good Traveler program to the airport’s passengers
- Partnering with airlines to support electric-powered airline ground service equipment
- Establishing the airport’s Food Rescue Program, which works to donate unused perishable food from concessions to Keep Austin Fed, and a campus-wide composting and recycling program
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is proud to be the first medium-sized North American airport to achieve carbon neutrality, said Jacqueline Yaft, the airport’s CEO. As the airport develops and grows to meet the needs of the community, it will continue to its commitment to carbon neutrality and environmental stewardship through innovative collaboration with its partners and by incorporating sustainable design and green development into its everyday operations.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through the airport’s sustainability program. This program seeks to minimize the airport’s impact on the environment across all operations.