Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Achieves Carbon Neutrality
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been recognized as one of four airports in North America 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,” said Gina Fiandaca, assistant city manager over the SD23 Mobility Outcome. “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.”
Reaching a Level 3+ accreditation means AUS has reduced its emissions as much as possible and successfully offset residual emissions by investing in and implementing projects that reduce carbon dioxide. These combined efforts have led to a fully carbon neutral airport operation. AUS’s robust 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 which provides power to the airport and 160 local homes through the Community Solar Program
- A partnership with Signature Flight Support to accept the first-ever delivery of Sustainable Aviation Fuel to AUS earlier this year
- Using 100% renewable energy in the Barbara Jordan Terminal through Austin Energy’s GreenChoice Program
- Using renewable natural gas to power AUS’s shuttle bus fleet and piloting a renewable natural gas credit sharing program with Clean Energy to aid airport partners in reducing their emissions
- Receiving Gold LEED Green Building certifications on several buildings on the airport 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 AUS passengers
- Establishing the AUS Food Rescue Program, which donates unused perishable food from concessions to Keep Austin Fed, and a campus-wide composting and recycling program
- Partnering with airlines to support electric-powered airline ground service equipment
“AUS is proud to be the first medium-sized North American airport to achieve carbon neutrality,” said Jacqueline Yaft, AUS chief executive officer. “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 is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through the airport's sustainability program, which seeks to minimize environmental impacts across all operations of the airport. To learn more about the airport's environmental initiatives and sustainability program, visit AustinTexas.gov/Department/environmental-responsibility.
