The Eighth Concourse was developed with a relentless focus on reducing environmental impacts from the early planning stages throughout the design and construction lifecycle.  From a ceiling comprised of recycled plastic bottles to walls incorporating sustainable paper atop recycled concrete, the Eighth Concourse exudes innovative and bold sustainable solutions. The concourse includes 14,000 square feet of “smart” windows that instantaneously tint to improve the built environment and enhance customer experience while reducing peak energy loads by as much as 20%. It also features a cooling system that recycles and saves water, charging stations for electric ground service vehicles, and thousands of LED lights and water-efficient fixtures.

These awards recognize the airport's continued focus on supporting the City’s Climate Action Plan and its Sustainability Management Plan. In fact, the additional requirements for the upgraded Level 4 accreditation included developing an expanded carbon footprint report that inventory airport-controlled emissions sources as well as sources from third parties, including tenants, airlines, and passengers. The report, A Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon, outlines how Phoenix Sky Harbor will continue to lead through its pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, only 18 years from today and a decade ahead of global and industry goals.

“I am proud that Sky Harbor is one of the foremost airports in the United States when it comes to environmental responsibility,” said Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari. “By aiming to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, we are showing yet again how Phoenix can be a leader in finding innovative solutions to the climate challenges we face. We will continue to thrive through our innovation and dedication.”  

To meet the Level 4 requirements, Phoenix Sky Harbor collaborated with numerous internal and external stakeholders in identifying an ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040 for emissions. In alignment with the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), Phoenix Sky Harbor identified the following CAP targets to serve as interim milestones to achieve the long-term net zero carbon goal:

• Reduce carbon emissions from City operations by 40% by 2025, compared to 2005
• Achieve carbon-free electricity by 2030
• Increase efficiency of buildings by 30% by 2030, compared to 2012

“By focusing on how it can reduce the carbon-related impacts of its operation, Phoenix Sky Harbor is working to be a responsible steward of the environment and the community’s investment,” said Councilmember Carlos Garcia. “With this achievement, Sky Harbor is affirming our commitment to our community now and in the future.”

Since 2010, Phoenix Sky Harbor has reduced annual carbon emissions by 34% through energy conservation measures (ECMs) and on-site renewable energy and other initiatives despite growth and expansion. Some examples include reducing electricity usage by 17% and focusing on solar power by adding panels at our Rental Car Center, East Economy Parking areas, and, most recently, at the Aviation Headquarters Building.

“We are committed to focusing on being future-friendly,” said Director of Aviation Services Chad Makovsky. “Our commitment requires an all-hands-on-deck approach – from airport staff and business partners to our valued passengers and the surrounding community. We are already working together to reduce our impact on the environment and have made great strides, but I look forward to continued collaboration and innovation.”

To achieve net zero carbon, Phoenix Sky Harbor seeks to reduce roughly 69,000 metric tons of carbon emissions as much as feasible before pursuing carbon removal technologies to account for residual emissions. The newly developed Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon identifies the short-, medium- and long-term strategies for Phoenix Sky Harbor to reach this goal and satisfies the ACA requirement for identifying the specific carbon emissions reduction trajectory.

To find the full Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon report, visit skyharbor.com/sustainability.

(Photo caption): Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was presented with a Level 4 rating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program. Pictured from left: ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin Burke, Phoenix Sky Harbor Assistant Chief Information Officer Daver Malik, Phoenix Sky Harbor Director of Aviation Services Chad Makovsky, and ACI-NA Chairman and Kelowna International Airport Director Sam Samaddar.

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport^®, has an annual economic impact of more than $38 billion. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 1,200 aircraft and more than 125,000 passengers arrived and departed from Sky Harbor daily. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.