April 2024
Phoenix Sky Harbor Celebrates Earth Day: April 22
April 22 is set aside to celebrate Earth Day, which was first recognized in 1970. It’s a day to honor the only home we all have and to remember how vital it is to practice conservation and sustainability.
The City of Phoenix Aviation Department ensures Phoenix Sky Harbor and its other airports are future friendly and pledge to exercise sustainability through seven key focus areas:
- Air Quality—Improving air quality is a priority for the Aviation Department. Many initiatives that have been taken, like expanding PHX Sky Train® service and installing electric charging stations, also support the Aviation 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, 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 have 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.
On April 22, in honor of Earth Day, members of the Phoenix Sky Harbor Sustainability and Recycling teams will be in the terminals promoting sustainability efforts and programs at the airport. Passengers will have a chance to spin a wheel and win a prize if they can answer a sustainability question about the airport.
Learn more about Phoenix Sky Harbor’s sustainability efforts, by visiting: skyharbor.com/sustainability.