GreeningATL reflects our commitment to achieve the triple bottom line — people, planet and profits — while working to become the world’s “greenest” airport. Through innovation and cutting-edge technologies, Hartsfield-Jackson strategically incorporates a common-sense approach to manage our resources to ensure a sustainable future.
To that end, the Department of Aviation has pledged to plan, build, operate and maintain an integrative approach to achieve measurable results that propel our community, stakeholders and the environment. GreeningATL is where thinking “green” becomes routine.
POLICIES AND INITIATIVES
The City of Atlanta Department of Aviation is proud to present its third Environmental, Social, Governance + Prosperity (ESG+P) Report for 2023. As the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has the responsibility to prioritize environmental stewardship and social issues within its operations.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport. With this volume, ATL estimates that it typically generates 13,000 tons of waste each year. Understanding that the placement of materials in landfills damages the environment, depletes natural resources, and transfers liabilities to future generations, ATL established guidelines for increased sustainability. The goal of the Zero Waste Policy is to divert 90 percent of the total waste generated at ATL from local landfills by 2035.
As we aspire to achieve zero waste by 2035, ATL must address contamination in the waste stream and increase the amount of recyclable and compostable materials used by passengers and procured by internal and external stakeholders. Concessions contracts include the following provision: “Non-compostable single-use serviceware, including plastic bags, plastic straws, and polystyrene items are prohibited.” This provision is referred to as the Sustainable Food Court Initiative (SFCI). This work is further supported by the City of Atlanta’s Plastic Ordinance that requires all City of Atlanta buildings reduce the use of single-use plastic. Learn more
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will adopt and implement an environmentally responsible procurement policy for:
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Vehicle fleets
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Energy-efficient electronic equipment such as computers, copiers, and printers
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Paper and paper products
The procuring of environmentally preferable products and services were governmental, or other widely recognized authorities have established criteria. The policy will raise staff awareness on the environmental issues affecting procurement through educational programs and campaigns, which encourages suppliers and contractors to offer environmentally preferable products and services at competitive prices.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s (ATL) Climate Action Policy will establish the direction for the entire organization through the adoption of practices and procedures that will reduce its greenhouse gas footprint. The Department of Aviation established 47 strategies that, once implemented, will result in a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
While aircraft are the most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions for ATL — contributing 80 percent of total emissions — our focus has been to reduce the emissions associated with non-aircraft related activities and sources. In 2014, our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions totaled approximately 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (mtCO2e).
The City of Atlanta’s minimum requirement of LEED Silver certification for all new construction was passed in 2003. This standard includes the new construction of buildings, roadways and runways. This policy also establishes LEED standards for our existing buildings and renovations. It also applies the term “deconstruction” to plans versus “demolition” to ensure deconstructed material is reused where possible.
ATL has made great strides in reducing our energy demand through a number of strategies including the development of our first Carbon Policy. The Airport will continue to prioritize the rapid reduction of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. We are committed to the City of Atlanta 2019 Resolution No. 10-R-3783 to transition to 100% Clean and Renewable Energy by 2035 as well as the ACI 2050 Net-Zero goal. Learn more here.
RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS
As part of EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge (FRC), ATL has pledged to improve sustainable food management practices and report the results. The FRC is part of EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of materials through their entire life cycle. This effort includes material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, reuse, recycling and disposal. The Department of Aviation is the first major institutional endorser of the EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge.
Current Impact:
Recovering 30,000 pounds of edible food and delivering to local communities daily.
Serving:
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Action ministries for women and senior citizens
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Veterans empowerment organizations
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Veterans giveaway centers
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Homeless citizens
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