Washington, D.C. – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, announced the winners of the 2024 Environmental Achievement Awards. In September, winners received formal recognition at the 2024 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Grand Rapids, MI. 

ACI-NA’s Environmental Achievement Awards acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of ACI-NA member airports that strive to protect and preserve the environment. These awards highlight innovative practices and initiatives that set industry standards for sustainability. 

Airport environmental and planning staff are recognized for developing and implementing programs that protect the environment while keeping their airports on schedule, minimizing community and regulatory controversy, and using creative means of maximizing overall cost-benefit. 

“Congratulations to the 2024 Environmental Achievement Award winners for their exceptional commitment to sustainability and the future of our planet,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “These awards celebrate the innovative practices and initiatives that set new standards for environmental stewardship across the aviation industry. By prioritizing sustainability, our member airports demonstrate how we can protect the environment, support our communities, and ensure a thriving future for air travel” 

A total of five awards were granted in the categories of Environmental Management, Mitigation, Outreach, Education, and Community Involvement, Environmental Improvement with Limited Resources, and Innovative/Special Projects. 

 Environmental Management 

The 2024 Environmental Management Award went to Tampa International Airport’s (TPA) Master Plan Phase 1 – Envision Verified. TPA’s nearly $1 billion Master Plan Phase 1 expansion earned Envision verification for its innovative approach to sustainability, resilience, and community impact. This transformative project, which included major infrastructure enhancements like the Consolidated Rental Car facility and Automated People Mover, improved connectivity, remediated hazardous land, and incorporated climate resilience measures, while supporting over 11,000 workers and enhancing the customer experience across the airport campus.  

Honorable mentions were awarded for Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Taxiway J Rehabilitation project and Syracuse Hancock International Airport/Syracuse Regional Airport Authority’s (SYR) Glycol Recycling Facility project. 

The Taxiway J Rehabilitation project at PHL is the first in Pennsylvania to achieve Envision verification, reflecting its innovative focus on sustainability, safety, and operational efficiency. By incorporating recycled materials, reducing energy consumption by 55%, and minimizing impervious surfaces, this $28 million project sets a new standard for environmentally conscious airfield infrastructure, while paving the way for future Envision-verified projects at PHL. 

SYR partnered with Aeromag to establish an on-site “Recovery, Recycle, Reuse” glycol recycling facility at Syracuse International Airport, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 7.5 million pounds annually, conserving water, and cutting costs for both the airport and its member airlines. Completed in just 18 months at no cost to the airport, this innovative project enhances environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and economic viability, earning recognition as the Airport Business Environmental Project of the Year. 

 Mitigation 

The 2024 Mitigation Award went to San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) All-Electric Concessions Initiative. SFO’s All-Electric Concessions Initiative supports its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 by transitioning airport concessions to all-electric operations, aligning with city mandates. By analyzing energy data, standardizing benchmarks, and developing service standards, SFO has created a comprehensive framework to guide electrification efforts at the airport and beyond, providing a model for multi-tenant properties aiming to meet ambitious climate goals. 

An honorable mention was awarded to Aéroports de Montréal (YUL) for their policy on the distribution of single-use items at airport concessions and VIP lounges. YUL implemented a policy requiring all food and beverage packaging at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport to be compostable or reusable, achieving a 94% compliance rate among its 59 concessions within the first year. This initiative, part of ADM’s goal to achieve Zero Waste at the terminal by 2030, increased YUL’s waste recovery rate from 54% in 2023 to 65% in 2024, setting an example for sustainable waste management in airports across North America. 

 Outreach, Education, and Community 

The 2024 Outreach, Education, and Community Involvement award went to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for their DFW Airport Earth Day. DFW’s 2024 Earth Day event, themed “History in the Making,” engaged over 20,500 students nationwide with virtual lessons, STEAM kits, and interactive activities focused on environmental science. The initiative extended its reach beyond Texas, providing educational resources to schools in states like Florida and Indiana, while also involving 250 employees in sustainability-focused programming. 

 Environmental Improvement with Limited Resources 

The 2024 Improvement with Limited Resources award went to North Peace Regional Airport’s (YXJ) Liquids Disposal System. With limited resources YXJ tackled sustainability by designing and building a custom liquid waste disposal system in-house, enhancing passenger convenience and reducing landfill contributions. Additionally, the airport collaborated with the community, donating recyclables to the Fort St. John North Peace Museum, generating $6,000 in support for local heritage preservation. 

 Innovative/Special Projects 

The 2024 Innovative/Special Projects award went to the Salt Lake City Department of Airports (SLC) transition to 100% Electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) through policy and infrastructure. SLC embraced sustainability by mandating a 100% electric ground support equipment (eGSE) conversion, enhancing operations while significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality in the region. Inspired by Utah’s natural beauty, this initiative reflects SLC’s commitment to preserving the environment and delivering impactful community health benefits. 

 More details about ACI-NA’s Environmental Achievement Awards and information on how to apply for next year’s awards can be found HERE. 

 ###