LAWA’s Sustainability Progress: Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2045

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has released its 2022 Sustainability Report, showcasing its ongoing commitment to sustainability and its progress towards achieving ambitious environmental goals. With a focus on transparency and accountability, LAWA’s report highlights the success of various initiatives that have generated sustainable and economic benefits for the airports and their surrounding communities. Spearheaded by the leadership of Mayor Bass and supported by partnerships with local agencies, organizations, and business partners, LAWA is determined to be a frontrunner in sustainable aviation, ultimately achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

Building a Sustainable Future:
LAWA’s sustainability journey began in 2007 with the establishment of its Sustainability Vision and Principles. These values were further reinforced in 2017 with the adoption of the Sustainable Design and Construction Policy, which mandated LEED Silver or higher certification for new building construction. Additionally, in 2019, LAWA launched its Sustainability Action Plan, aligning with the City of Los Angeles’s objectives. The plan aims to achieve net zero in key areas by 2045, including 100% renewable electricity use, zero potable water for non-potable uses, and carbon neutrality for LAWA operations.

Notable Achievements in 2022:
The 2022 Sustainability Report highlights several key accomplishments that demonstrate LAWA’s commitment to sustainability and progress towards its goals. Some noteworthy achievements include:

1. Early achievement of the 2025 goal of a 15% reduction in energy use per passenger.
2. Increased usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
3. Meeting the 2023 goal of a 20% zero-emissions bus fleet.
4. Achieving the 2025 goal of 25% waste diversion.
5. Introducing unleaded aviation fuel for general aviation aircraft at Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
6. Incorporating fully recyclable aluminum shells in the train cars for the Automated People Mover (APM).
7. Updating the Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchasing Policy to require a 25% EV sedan fleet by 2023 and 100% by December 2031.
8. Obtaining Envision Gold certification for the APM.
9. Launching the LAX Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) to provide sound insulation for nearby communities.
10. Expanding the use of reclaimed water for irrigation to 66.8% of all landscaped areas at LAX.
11. Receiving awards for the innovative and sustainable design of LAX’s Economy Parking Facility.
12. Hosting and sponsoring 65 community and employee engagement events.

Focus Areas and Partnerships:
While LAWA’s sustainability program encompasses various aspects, the report emphasizes specific topics of importance to LAWA, partner organizations, and stakeholders. These areas include energy management, water management, air emissions reduction, material resources management, noise management, natural resources conservation, and corporate responsibility. By addressing these issues proactively, LAWA aims to ensure a well-rounded approach to sustainability that benefits the environment, the community, and the airport’s operations.

LAWA’s 2022 Sustainability Report signifies its unwavering commitment to sustainability and showcases the remarkable progress made towards achieving its long-term environmental goals. With a focus on accountability, transparency, and collaboration with partners, LAWA is leading the way in sustainable aviation practices. By exceeding milestones and consistently meeting targets, LAWA is well on track to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. As the organization continues to prioritize sustainable practices, it sets an example for the aviation industry and demonstrates the potential for large-scale environmental transformation

For more information about LAX, its transformation and its environmental, social and local workforce commitments, please visit flylax.com. Follow LAX on X (formally Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.  

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