In April, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport celebrated Earth Day, which was first recognized in 1970 as a day to honor the only home we all have and to remember how vital it is to practice conservation and sustainability.
Members of the Phoenix Sky Harbor sustainability and recycling teams were in the terminals promoting sustainability efforts and programs at the airport. Passengers were able to spin a prize wheel and win by answering a sustainability question about the airport.
The City of Phoenix Aviation Department, which owns and operates Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports, ensures its airports are future friendly and pledges to exercise sustainability through seven key focus areas:
- Air Quality—Improving air quality is a priority for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. Many initiatives that have been taken, like expanding PHX Sky Train® service and installing electric charging stations, also support the Department’s focus to reduce carbon emissions.
- Carbon Emissions—Energy and air quality-related initiatives have resulted in an annual reduction of more than 30,000 tons of carbon emissions since 2014. In 2016, Phoenix Sky Harbor was one of the first airports in North America to join the voluntary Airport Carbon Accreditation Program – the only internationally-recognized carbon management certification program for airports. Currently, Phoenix Sky Harbor is at a Level 4 accreditation.
- Energy—The Aviation Department has reduced annual electricity consumption by more than 16 million kwh since 2014; installed solar photovoltaic arrays at several airport buildings amounting to nearly six megawatts of on-site renewable energy; and achieved LEED certification for high energy efficiency at many new and renovated buildings.
- Outreach—Phoenix Sky Harbor partners with schools, businesses, and the local community to enhance social sustainability.
- Policies and Contracts—Besides LEED certification and other promotion, the Aviation Department has implemented emissions standards in ground transportation contracts and a Trip Fee Program to reduce on-airport vehicle usage and an incentive for alternative fuel vehicles.
- Waste and Recycling—The Aviation Department plans to achieve Zero Waste by 2050 through aggressive efforts to reduce waste and minimize landfill trips. Inside the terminals, passengers can recycle in concourses, at security checkpoints, and in food court areas.
- Water Conservation—The Aviation Department has reduced annual water consumption by more than 50 million gallons since 2014. New water treatment technology in cooling towers has resulted in significant water savings, and the conversion of grass turf to xeriscape in 2019 has saved more than five million gallons of water annually.
In addition to these ongoing efforts, Phoenix Sky Harbor was recently a finalist for Green Curb in the Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards. The prestigious awards recognize environmental excellence and accomplishments in Arizona. Phoenix Sky Harbor is the first airport in the country to have a Green Curb, leading the way in sustainable airport ground transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
During the Men’s College Basketball Championship, passengers also noticed new basketball hoop themed recycle bins. These encouraged recycling at the airport while creating some fun and excitement for college basketball fans.
The airport also recently added two futuristic TrashBots at baggage claim in both terminals. Passengers can confidently insert any item without wondering which bin to throw an item in. TrashBot then scans your item and sends it to the correct bin, recycling, compost, or waste. Since their inception, reporting has shown effective sorting of almost 6,000 pieces of waste, removing more than 60% of the items from the landfill.
To learn more about these and other sustainability efforts at Phoenix Sky Harbor, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/sustainability/