San Diego International Airport (SAN) has received the highest airport carbon accreditation level, joining Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as the only two carbon neutral airports in the United States. Congratulations to our partners at SAN for this achievement!
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is now North America’s second-ever carbon neutral airport. SAN, joined only by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in the U.S., reached carbon neutral accreditation last month from the global agency that establishes carbon standards for airports worldwide. SAN is certified at “Level 3+,” the highest level of certification through Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. The third-party verified program is a framework that helps airports identify, manage, and reduce their carbon emissions.
Level 3+ certification signifies that the airport is successfully:
Completing annual carbon emission inventories (which are third-party verified)
Continuing to reduce carbon emissions under the Airport Authority’s direct control on a year-over-year basis
Offsetting any residual emissions under the Airport Authority’s direct control (namely, from fuel used in fleets and generators, purchased electricity, and staff business travel)
Effectively engaging with airlines, ground transportation operators, and other business partners to help them reduce their onsite carbon emissions
Examples of SAN’s initiatives to reach carbon neutrality include creating a novel greenhouse gas reduction program for rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber, launching “The Good Traveler” carbon offset program that has expanded nationally to 14 partner airports, and partnering with San Diego Gas & Electric to expand airport charging infrastructure for airport employees and electric-powered airside ground service equipment.
The Climate Science Alliance commends our partners at SAN for taking action on reducing their carbon footprint.
Read the full press release here: