Celebrate this Earth Day with 5 Fun Sustainability Facts about AUS
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport hosted its annual Earth Day Event in the Barbara Jordan Terminal yesterday, Monday, April 22, 2024.
Our Department of Aviation team members were planted (get it) throughout the BJT, handing out stainless steel water bottles, plantable postcards, info about our environmental programs, and answering all your burning questions about our sustainability efforts.
Speaking of being eco-friendly, here are five AUS sustainability efforts we’re recognizing in honor of Earth Day!
Fact 1: AUS achieved Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality 3rd year in a row
Yup, you heard that right, I’ll bet you didn’t know AUS achieved Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality for the 3rd straight year through the ACI – Airports Carbon Accreditation Program! AUS is recognized as one of just six airports in North America to reach Level 3+ Accreditation or higher. Reaching a Level 3+ accreditation means AUS has successfully 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 by going beyond our own operations and collaborating with airlines to support electric-powered airline ground service equipment
We're aiming for Level 4+ Transition next year at AUS, which means kicking our carbon-cutting efforts up a notch. We're doubling down on our commitment to shrink our carbon footprint and lending a hand to our onsite tenants to do the same.
Fact 2: Charge your phone with wind energy
Need to charge your phone? Don’t worry, you’re charging it with 100% wind energy from West Texas! AUS is making huge impacts through Austin Energy’s Green Choice program.
Fact 3: Seven acres of solar panels
In partnership with Austin Energy, AUS boasts 6,642 solar panels spanning a distance that’s equal to two football fields. These solar panels provide 1.5 megawatts of power to the Utility’s Community Solar Program and .3 megawatts of renewable energy benefits toward future airport construction projects and the airport’s administration building. The panels offer not only shaded parking for Blue Garage customers, but will also generate enough solar energy to power up to 160 homes per year.
Fact 4: Ride from the parking lots on renewable natural gas
Over 30% of our shuttle bus fleet is carbon neutral by running on renewable natural gas! In 2023 AUS used just over 66,000 gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE’s) of carbon neutral renewable natural gas in our shuttle bus fleet. This removed a total of 587 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere. AUS was also able to share 81,000 gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE’s) of RNG credits with other onsite stakeholders helping them reduce their carbon footprints. This removed a total of 720 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere.
Fact 5: Reclaimed water saves gallons
Did you know that in 2023 alone AUS saved over 12,000,000 gallons of potable water by using reclaimed water for irrigation? Reclaimed water is recycled from wastewater generated by homes and businesses and treated for non-potable uses. Reclaimed water is less expensive to use or treat and can cost as little as one-half the price of drinking water.
Want to dive deeper into AUS’s environmental affairs division and projects? Head over to www.AustinTexas.gov/AUSEnvironmentalAffairs and get the lowdown on all the awesome stuff we’re up to!