Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has been awarded a Level 3+ Accreditation by Airports Council International as part of North America’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The award recognises the airport’s achievement of becoming one of four airports in North America to reach carbon neutrality.
To achieve the Level 3+ accreditation, AUS has reduced its emissions as much as possible and has invested in and implemented projects that reduce carbon dioxide to successfully offset residual emissions. These combined efforts have led to a fully carbon neutral airport operation that helps achieve carbon neutrality and minimises impacts on the environment.
“Having a carbon neutral airport is a significant milestone for our city. AUS plays a critical role in supporting our citywide goals and efforts to combat climate change, especially as we work to cut emissions by 2030, with a goal of achieving net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. I applaud AUS’s commitment to combatting climate change and for being a leader in environmental stewardship.”
AUS’s environmental and sustainability portfolio includes a partnership with Austin Energy that generates 1.8 megawatts of renewable solar energy on the airport campus to provide power to the airport, as well as 160 local homes. Through Austin Energy’s GreenChoice programme, AUS uses 100% renewable energy in the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
Earlier this year, AUS partnered with Signature Flight Support to accept the first delivery of ‘sustainable aviation fuel’, as well as partnering with airlines to support electric-powered airline ground service equipment. The airport purchases renewable energy and carbon offsets from sustainable sources and promotes The Good Traveler programme to AUS passengers, allowing passengers to purchase their own carbon offsets to fund projects that restore climate balance.
AUS has also received Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building certifications on several buildings on the airport campus, including the 2019 nine-gate expansion and administration building.
AUS’s shuttle bus fleet is powered using renewable natural gas made entirely from 100% organic waste. The airport is also piloting a renewable natural gas credit sharing programme with Clean Energy to help airport partners reduce their emissions.
Furthermore, the AUS Food Rescue programme donates unused perishable food from concessions to Keep Austin Fed, and the airport operates a campus-wide composting and recycling programme.
These projects and achievements have all contributed towards AUS reaching carbon neutrality.
“AUS is proud to be the first medium-sized North American airport to achieve carbon neutrality. As our airport develops and grows to meet the needs of our community, we will continue our commitment to carbon neutrality and environmental stewardship through innovative collaboration with our partners, and by incorporating sustainable design and green development.”
Globally, many airports are working to decarbonise emissions from their operations. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s efforts demonstrate some of the direct and indirect ways airports can reduce their carbon footprint.
