Airports Going Green: How Airports are Implementing Sustainability

Airport operators across the country are beginning implementation of sustainability programs and initiatives at their airports. One reason for this are new federal and state directives that encourage airports to develop a sustainability program. Airport sustainability has become one of the top priorities in the nation, primarily due to federal, state, and local initiatives. Many airports are implementing sustainability programs because they believe it is will help meet environmental, economic and social goals to benefit the community. To better understand the implementation of sustainability at airports across the United States, I examined airports such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport, San Diego International Airport, Los Angeles World Airports, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Boston Logan Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Fresno Yosemite International Airport. This work shows examples of cost-related benefits to airports "going green" and the positive effects of sustainability in the community.