Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport releases first carbon policy

Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has released its first carbon policy and commits the Airport to achieving the City of Atlanta’s 100 per cent Clean and Renewable Energy by 2035 goal and the Airports Council International (ACI) Net Zero by 2050 goal. 

As a part of the Airport’s 2035 Sustainable Management Plan to be released in 2022, Hartsfield-Jackson will present a roadmap to reduce its contribution to climate change. The airport will focus on cutting its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by increasing energy efficiency through energy retrofits, proactive maintenance, and transitioning to all-electric building systems.

“To effectively combat climate change, we must address this challenge in all facets of city government,” said Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens. “The airport’s plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is both ambitious and necessary. Accomplishing this goal will allow us to position the Airport as the world’s leader in passenger volume, efficiency, and sustainability.” 

“ATL is committed to positioning the Airport for the future,” added Airport General Manager, Balram ‘B’ Bheodari. “We have a responsibility to make sure we create a clean, sustainable environment for the generations that come after us. It won’t be easy, but nothing worth pursuing is ever easy. We look forward to this challenge.”

The airport is partnering with Georgia Power using the arbnco platform, which analyses metered energy data and provides fully costed and specific recommendations on energy conservation measures, renewable energy, and load-shedding opportunities. Through this program, ATL is evaluating its energy baseline and will identify opportunities for efficiency resulting from energy audits of its buildings.   

The goal for new buildings is to meet a minimum of LEED Silver certification with a commitment to exceed the energy code. Efforts to address carbon emissions include meeting a minimum efficiency standard, the integration of advanced building systems, and reducing construction-related emissions through increasing vehicle and equipment standards. 

For existing buildings, the airport will incorporate energy efficiency, as well as identify opportunities for alternative energy to decrease the use of fossil fuels.  

The commitment to reducing carbon emissions can be a path to adopting even greater efficiency and innovation for Hartsfield-Jackson, which will help to reduce its carbon impact and reduce overall utility costs.