AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-Bergstrom International has achieved carbon neutrality, and it’s the first “medium-size airport” to do so, according to a press release.
Only four airports are carbon neutral, including Austin’s, in North America. It achieved the distinction by earning a Level 3+ Accreditation from Airports Council International.
San Diego International Airport and Vancouver International Airport have also earned the Level 3+ accreditation. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport sits at Level 4+.
According to Airports Council International’s website, airports that achieve the Level 3+ distinction are offsetting their carbon emissions and reducing those emissions "as much as possible."
The airport said it has implemented projects to reduce carbon dioxide. Some of these projects include a partnership with Austin Energy to power the airport using renewable solar energy and another partnership with Signature Flight Support for sustainable aviation fuel.
The airport also uses renewable natural gas to power buses and helps to provide airlines with electric ground service equipment.
“Having a carbon-neutral airport is a significant milestone for our city,” Gina Fiandaca, assistant city manager of the SD23 Mobility Outcome, said in the release. “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 emission by 2040. I applaud AUS’s commitment to combatting climate change and for being a leader in environmental stewardship.”
“AUS is proud to be the first medium-sized North American airport to achieve carbon neutrality,” AUS Chief Executive Officer Jaqueline Yaft said in the release. “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.”
A full list of the airport’s sustainable initiatives is available on its website.
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