Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport in Texas has become the first airport in North America to achieve carbon neutrality via the Airports Council International (ACI)’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. DFW becomes one of only 23 airports worldwide to achieve the distinction.
Carbon neutrality occurs when the airport absorbs or offsets the same amount of carbon dioxide as it produces. The achievement is recognized and accredited by ACA, an international organization that monitors the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.
Since 2010, DFW has achieved a 29% reduction in carbon emissions on a per passenger basis as well as an overall 38% reduction in energy costs, despite passenger traffic at the airport increasing by 15% over the same period.
Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport, said, “This major achievement demonstrates DFW Airport’s commitment to serving our community and our world with a comprehensive, holistic approach to sustainability. Our team has made major strides in reducing DFW’s carbon footprint by how we manage precious resources such as energy and water, and how the airport manages vehicle fuels, emissions, waste, recycling, and our land. I want to thank and congratulate our team for this outstanding accomplishment.
“While this recognition shows that DFW has made considerable progress towards a more sustainable community, we remain committed to future advancement on environmental issues,” added Donohue. “We have a lot of work left to do and a lot of knowledge to gain and share, so our vision for a more sustainable enterprise will require commitment, innovation, and collaboration for many years to come.”
Jim Crites, executive vice president for operations at DFW Airport, said, “We recognize that environmental improvement is an economic, social and business imperative for the airport and for the community we serve. Sustainability touches everyone and this work helps ensure a brighter tomorrow for our children as well as our Dallas Fort Worth area partners and neighbors.”
