The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has received a 2020 Climate Leadership Award for its Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management.

The Airport Authority obtained the award during the Climate Leadership Conference in Washington on 6 March for its efforts in reducing direct and indirect emissions by 80% from 2015 to 2035. By 2018, it had already achieved a decrease of 44%. It is developing strategies to reduce its carbon footprint by using cleaner fuels, using cars with a higher mile per gallon rating and utilising more ridesharing, also replacing individual rental car company shuttles. In addition, 15% of electricity demand is now supplied by solar power with plans for a 2 megawatt battery storage system in 2020. The authority is also committed to converting around 80% of ground support equipment to alternative fuels by 2024, opting for electric vehicles where possible.

“It’s an honour to have to have the Airport Authority as well as our leadership recognised at this year’s Climate Leadership Conference and Awards,” said Kim Becker, President and CEO of the Airport Authority. “The Airport Authority is committed to sustainable business practices and works closely with our community, stakeholders and employees to address and limit environmental concerns at the airport.”

The Climate Leadership Conference aims to gather innovative leaders from business, government, academia and non-profit communities to address solutions concerning climate change. Awards are presented to those who have aided movements in reducing carbon pollution and addressing global warming.

Bob Perciasepe, President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) highlighted that long-term success means working towards climate impacts and a decarbonised economy. He stated, “The only way to take advantage of the clean energy transition is to be clear-eyed about climate challenges. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has demonstrated outstanding leadership in this and will be ahead of the game in the clean energy economy.”

Brendan Reed, the Airport Authority Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs, was also presented with an Individual Leadership award for his efforts in environmental operations and strategies. He led the Good Traveller Program which allows passengers to purchase offsets that go towards carbon reduction projects, assisting in the funding and development of a Climate Resilience Plan to secure business in future climate conditions, as well as leading an initiative to build stormwater systems to capture, store and reuse up to 39 million gallons of rain per year.

“Planning for long-term prosperity means accounting for climate impacts and a decarbonised economy,” said Bob Perciasepe, President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES). “The only way to take advantage of the clean energy transition is to be clear-eyed about climate challenges. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has demonstrated outstanding leadership in this and will be ahead of the game in the clean energy economy.”

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