Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the latest airport in North America to achieve carbon neutrality.
Austin is one of four airports on the continent to reach carbon neutrality, with a Level 3+ Accreditation by Airports Council International – North America’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Program.
“Having a carbon neutral airport is a significant milestone for our city," Gina Fiandaca, assistant city manager of the SD23 Mobility Outcome, said. "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."
Airport officials were also proud of the accomplishment.
“AUS is proud to be the first medium-sized North American airport to achieve carbon neutrality," Jacqueline Yaft, AUS CEO, said. “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.”
AUS earned the accreditation by reducing its emissions as much as possible and offsetting residual emissions through projects by reducing carbon dioxide. AUS has a partnership with Austin Energy for renewable solar energy usage and has an agreement with Signature Flight Support for sustainable aviation fuel. The other airports to achieve this milestone are in Vancouver, San Diego and Dallas.
Steps the airport took to achieve this milestone include partnerships with Austin Energy and Signature Flight to generate sustainable energy for the airport, as well as 100% renewable energy in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The airport will also use renewable gas to power its shuttle bus fleet, donate food from its concessions, use electric powered airline ground equipment and purchase carbon offsets.