Two Los Angeles World Airports-owned airports have received international certification for their greenhouse gas reductions.
Los Angeles International Airport and Van Nuys Airport have once more been certified under the internationally recognized Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. Van Nuys, one of only a few general aviation airports in the world to be certified, achieved its highest-ever level of certification.
Both airports received Level 3 Optimization, the highest certificate before a facility becomes carbon neutral. This marks the first time that Van Nuys has achieved Level 3 certification under the voluntary program, which requires airports to have their efforts to quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions independently verified by ACI-Europe. This is the third year in a row in which Los Angeles International has been certified at Level 3.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our day, and it’s incumbent on all of us, including airports, to innovate to reduce carbon emissions and operate in a more sustainable manner. We are proud that both airports have been recognized by Airports Council International for being on the leading edge of sustainable operations,” said Deborah Flint, chief executive officer, Los Angeles World Airports.
Los Angeles International was first recognized as an accredited airport under the program in 2016 when it was certified at Level 2, since when it has been certified at Level 3 since 2017. The airport has set a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to below 45% of 1990 levels by 2025, 60% by 2035, and 80% by 2050.
Operator Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has already implemented a number of programs and policies that reduce gas emissions. These include Los Angeles International’s Central Utility Plant, which provides energy savings of 1,600,000kW annually, a clean fleet program, the LAX Food Harvest Food Donation Program, and an organic waste recycling pilot program.