SOARING TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
Houston Airports is committed to carbon neutrality by 2030
Defining sustainability
Houston Airports adopted the triple-bottom-line definition of sustainability, which defines the need to be responsible stewards of the airport system’s financial, natural and people resources.
Sustainability is not only about minimizing effects on resources, but also recognizing the role of airports in creating enduring communities, acknowledging the social costs of air travel, and creating airports that are resilient to future stresses such as energy or water scarcity.
Sustainability is about operating airports in an efficient and responsible manner now and into the future.
PLAN OF ACTION
Houston Airports is furthering carbon management and emissions reductions by seeking accreditation in the Airports Council International (ACI), Airport Carbon Accreditation process. The ACA process, which includes 7 levels of accreditation, will map our current carbon footprint and provide the framework needed to reduce our carbon footprint to meet our initial goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
- Level 1 of the ACI ACA process requires airports to map their emissions sources and measure their carbon footprint.
In March 2023, Houston Airports formally began the effort with ACI to begin working towards Airport Carbon Accreditation. Level 1 of the ACI ACA serves as the program's mapping phase. A policy statement drafted by Houston Airports established the baseline against which future reduction efforts will be measured. With this statement, Houston Airports committed to calculating an annual greenhouse gas inventory for all three airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD).
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- All three Houston airports achieved Level 1 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program in September 2023.
“Achieving ACA Level 1 underscores our commitment to transforming Houston’s airports into more sustainable and energy-efficient facilities for future generations. It’s imperative that we are good stewards of the world we seek to connect,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “Participating in a global carbon management program underscores the environmentally conscious work we began prioritizing in the last decade and motivates us to continue investing in thoughtful changes that will have a real impact on our community and planet.”
LEARN MORE | Houston's airports achieve Level 1 of ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program
- Level 2 of the ACI ACA provides evidence of effective CO2 management and emission reductions.
Houston Airports has developed a Carbon Management Plan (CMP) to demonstrate meaningful efforts by each of Houston's three airports to reduce emissions in line with the set target and policy commitment.
Watch the video below to learn more about how Houston Airports is soaring towards sustainability
Sustainable Management Plan
The Houston Airport System takes pride in maintaining a safe and dynamic air services network that fosters economic vitality for the transportation industry and facilities a strong level of global connectivity. From fleet services to terminal improvements, Houston Airports manages many aspects of airport operations while simultaneously enhancing the passenger experience.
In 2018, Houston Airports became one of 10 airports nationwide to finalize a Federal Aviation Administration approved sustainable management plan. The plan demonstrates the airport system’s continued commitment or provide world-class air service, operational efficiency and customer service while striving to become more sustainable.
In the five years that followed, Houston Airports committed to reducing its environmental impact in seven categories including energy, water, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable design.
This Sustainable Management Plan is critical to the Strategic Priorities of Houston Airports:
- Make our passengers happy
- Achieve “opening day fresh” conditions for our airports
- Build the platforms for future success
- Invest in our partnerships and our employees
The Houston Airports design standard is a minimum of 20% better than the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. Our standard is currently being utilized in the construction of several buildings at Bush Airport, including the Federal Inspection Services building and the Mickey Leland International Terminal, which are part of the International Terminal Redevelopment Program.
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Sustainability by the numbers
- More than 20,000 LED bulbs are being installed at Bush and Hobby airports.
The energy efficient lighting is now along runways and inside parking garages and terminals. - Nearly 1 megawatt of power is harnessed by solar panels atop Hobby Airport’s Red Garage.
- Nearly 3,000 acres of forests and protected lands surround Bush Airport.
The landscape captures about 16,000 tons of CO2 annually. - Nearly 1,000 acres of grassland surround Hobby Airport.
The landscape captures about 250 tons of CO2 annually.
- Dozens of electric vehicle charging stations are available at all Houston Airports parking facilities.
Hundreds of electric vehicles are available through our car rental partners. - 25 all-electric Ford F-150 Lightnings will be added to the Houston Airports fleet in early 2024.
- More than 1.8 kWh is saved in electricity, annually, with 4 chillers at Hobby Airport.
The environmentally friendly technology saves Houston Airports nearly $77,000 annually. - Nearly 100% of all metal and concrete is recycled during construction of the new international terminal at Bush Airport.
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