One airport system, many green choices

At Houston Airports, sustainability isn’t limited to a single department or a symbolic gesture once a year—it’s a long-term, system-wide commitment. From carbon reduction strategies to book-sharing libraries, green thinking is built into every part of the passenger journey.

This Earth Day, that commitment comes into focus through meaningful progress and a clear target: carbon neutrality by 2030. As a participant in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, Houston Airports has already achieved Level 2 accreditation, confirming real reductions in emissions. Between 2019 and 2022, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) reduced emissions by 16%, and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) saw a 22% reduction. Those numbers reflect both operational improvements and broader modernization efforts—including upgrades to energy systems, electric vehicle integration and more efficient terminal practices.

The shift to clean energy is happening across the board. Houston Airports continues to convert its light-duty fleet to electric vehicles, with more than a dozen now in service. Passengers are also benefiting from a growing number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located in parking garages and ecopark lots at both airports. Rental car partners are following suit. The IAH Rental Car Facility offers charging stations for electric and plug-in hybrid rentals, helping travelers make more sustainable choices without sacrificing convenience.

Houston Airports recognizes that the guest experience begins in its parking facilities. In February 2024, Houston Airports upgraded its courtesy carts at the IAH Terminal Garages and HOU ecopark lot. They now feature comfortable seating for six in an enclosed cart that better protects guests from the elements. The courtesy carts are also 100% electric vehicles, which aligns with the commitment of Houston Airports to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Airline partners are also transitioning ground support equipment—including tug carts and baggage vehicles—to electric power, reducing emissions at the gate and improving efficiency on the ramp. These upgrades are part of a collective push to reduce the environmental footprint of air travel, not only in the skies but on the ground.

Inside the terminals, that same philosophy is reflected in everyday touchpoints. Hydration stations at IAH and HOU reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles, and recycling bins are placed throughout both airports to make waste diversion easier for passengers. Even the Little Free Libraries—inviting travelers to take a book, leave a book and share a story—underscore the airport system’s belief that sustainability includes how we treat each other and our shared resources.

Terminal renovations are advancing that mission as well. In Terminal A at IAH, a year-long project is underway to polish decades-old flooring using a diamond-polishing process. The method reduces chemical usage and allows for easy maintenance using only water while improving passenger safety by making surfaces more slip-resistant. Once complete, the investment will breathe new life into a terminal that opened 56 years ago modernizing it without losing sight of its legacy.

These upgrades come on top of significant forward-looking partnerships. Houston Airports and Wisk Aero are exploring the future of autonomous, electric air taxis in Houston—pushing the boundaries of clean, urban air mobility. The airport system also received federal funds for green energy upgrades and reduced greenhouse gas emissions across its facilities.

In all, sustainability at Houston Airports is about more than technology or transit. It’s about creating thoughtful, intentional spaces that serve people while protecting the planet. This Earth Day, Houston Airports isn’t just celebrating progress—it’s reaffirming a simple but powerful belief: that small, collective actions—charging a car, recycling a page or sharing a book—can lead to a cleaner, more connected future.