Airport Sustainability & Resilience Framework with Climate Action Plan

Solution Overview

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport developed a comprehensive sustainability and resilience framework centered on environmental, social, and governance performance disclosure and strategic planning.[2][5] The airport's vision is to be the most sustainable airport in the world by reducing impact on the environment, building resiliency and efficiency into operations, facilitating cleaner transportation, improving the communities around the airport, while driving the economic prosperity of the region.[1] This approach positions the facility as a leader among U.S. airports in transparency and climate action through systematic reporting and implementation of sustainability initiatives.[2]

Technical Components

The sustainability framework encompasses multiple integrated planning documents that guide technical implementation across the airport's operations.[4] The Climate Action Plan and Sustainable Management Plan were updated to provide strategic direction, while additional specialized plans under review include the Energy Management Plan, Water Master Plan, and Zero Waste Plan.[4] The airport pursues certifications across numerous projects and rating systems, including LEED, Parksmart, and Envision standards.[1] The South Deicing Complex achieved Envision Verification, demonstrating the application of sustainable infrastructure design standards.[3] The airport was the first to earn LEED for Communities certification, establishing a precedent for comprehensive sustainability assessment at the facility level.[1]

Implementation Details

The sustainability contract was established in April 2023, with a joint venture team providing ongoing support for strategic planning and implementation.[4] Since inception, the joint venture has applied for and received over $11,000,000 in sustainability grant funding from the FAA and FTA.[4] RS&H worked with the airport to develop the 2022 ATL Flying Forward ESG report in collaboration with airport leaders across the organization.[2] In July 2023, the City of Atlanta released its third Environmental, Social, Governance and Prosperity Report, which highlights the priorities, performance, risks, and opportunities at the airport across the ESG+P criteria.[5] The South Deicing Facility earned an Envision Verified Award in May 2025, marking a recent milestone in sustainable infrastructure development.[1] The joint venture continues to support the airport as a sustainable leader by identifying opportunities to demonstrate new technologies and implement pilot projects to demonstrate efficiency and innovation in sustainable development.[4]

Benefits and Impacts

The 2022 ATL Flying Forward ESG report addressed the airport's priorities, performance, risks, and opportunities across environmental, social and governance elements, providing investors with comprehensive disclosure of sustainability performance.[2] In 2022, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was on the forefront of U.S. airports that disclosed their environmental, social, governance and prosperity performance to investors.[2] The sustainability goals include net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, 100% clean and renewable energy by 2035, and 90% diversion of waste generated at the airport from landfills by 2035.[1] The airport is committed to the City of Atlanta's 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.[1] The City has set a goal for the airport to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.[5]

Climate Adaptation Relevance

The sustainability framework builds resiliency and efficiency into airport operations through systematic planning and infrastructure improvements.[1] The approach addresses climate adaptation through comprehensive environmental performance management, renewable energy transition, and waste reduction strategies that enhance operational resilience.[1] The integration of climate action planning with sustainable management practices positions the facility to respond to evolving environmental conditions while maintaining operational continuity.[4]

Business Analysis

The joint venture secured over $11,000,000 in sustainability grant funding from the FAA and FTA since April 2023, demonstrating successful access to federal financing mechanisms for airport sustainability initiatives.[4] The airport's commitment to the City of Atlanta's 2019 Resolution No. 10-R-3783 and the ACI 2050 Net-Zero goal provides a clear policy framework supporting long-term sustainability investments.[1] The disclosure of environmental, social, governance and prosperity performance to investors in 2022 established transparency mechanisms that support access to sustainable finance and impact investment opportunities.[2] The pursuit of multiple certifications across LEED, Parksmart, and Envision rating systems creates market differentiation and demonstrates alignment with industry sustainability standards.[1]