The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is working in many ways to minimize impacts on the environment while serving millions of travelers. Good environmental stewardship begins with Federal and State regulatory compliance in our operations and construction. Here are some ways we go beyond what’s required to do things that make good sense for the planet:Saving EnergyLet the Sun Shine in: Our newer facilities are designed to let in plenty of natural light, reducing the need for powered lighting.Public Transportation links: Reagan National Airport is Metrorail accessible. We are building Metrorail to Dulles. And the Dulles Toll Road has bus/carpool lanes with special bus access to and from the Access Highway.Alternative Energy: The Dulles Toll Road's main plaza has solar panels to supplement the electricity supply.Using Power at Night: When electric demand is lowest, we run our chiller plant at Reagan National then use the stored-up chilled water to cool our terminals during the heat of the day.Energy Audits: These audits will monitor current levels of energy consumption and help us identify new strategies for energy reduction.RecyclingWe collect tons of recyclables in our offices and our terminals, reducing landfill-bound trash. In our construction projects, we typically recycle over 75% of materials from demolition activity.Air Quality InitiativesThe AeroTrain at Dulles is electric, replacing most of the diesel-powered mobile lounge fleet which dates back to the 1960s.CO2 emissions from CNG (compressed natural gas) shuttle buses at Reagan National are significantly lower than conventional diesel buses.At the gate, planes can turn off their engines while connected to our 400hz power and preconditioned air.Many airlines use electric vehicles for their ground service equipment, and we provide charging stations for their use.Electric vehicle charging stations are available in public parking garages at Reagan National and at Dulles International.We are studying our vehicle fleet usage to identify more opportunities to use alternative fueled vehicles. Water Quality InitiativesWe participate in wetlands replacement and stream restoration projects when developing airport land.We use best management practices to keep fuels and deicers used on the airport from entering the waterways.The new runway at Dulles uses an innovative system to channel rainwater runoff into state-of-the-art “Biological Treatment Units” where the water is naturally filtered.DCA Stormwater Pollution Prevention PlanEmployee ProgramsWe participate in the Metropool program which helps pay for commuting expenses for our employees who use public transit.The MWAA Green Team gives employees a new way for their ideas to be heard and to participate first hand in our green programs
Six overarching goals will highlight the Airports Authority’s commitment to sustainability:
Reduce fossil fuel use through electrification of the transport fleet: The Airports Authority has set a goal to reduce fossil fuel use by electrifying its transport vehicles and ground support equipment. This action is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operation and maintenance costs, and result in better air quality.
Increase efficiency of our built environment: The Airports Authority will evaluate the benefits of installing on-site renewable energy generation and battery storage potential for major projects. It will consider future technologies as they become commercially viable, as well as efficient occupancy-based lighting strategies.
Increase water use efficiency: The Airports Authority will strive to be an even more responsible steward of water use across all of its operations. It plans to reduce water consumption and realize cost savings, and assist our tenants and concessionaires with also reducing water usage and cost.
Reduce the amount of municipal solid waste generated and sent to landfills: The Airports Authority will strive to further reduce waste generation; support generation of electricity through waste-to-energy conversion; improve recycling rates through improved education and outreach to concessionaires and airlines; install more recycling bins; reduce use of packaging with concessionaires; and reduce construction waste and potential environmental pollution.
Develop and maintain a stronger culture of sustainable administration: The Airports Authority will codify sustainability practices throughout its administrative processes. It will ensure sustainability is considered for all future procurement, facility planning, and development activities; it will update and maintain its Design Manual so minimum standards for sustainable building are current with best practices; it will create a committee to coordinate sustainability activities across all stakeholders; and it will periodically review and revise the sustainability plan.
Encourage efficient use of public transportation: The Airports Authority will encourage efficient use of public transportation by promoting Metrorail access to Reagan National and also to Dulles International after the Silver Line’s planned Phase 2 opening. It will aim to improve the customer experience by providing ease of access to our airports, including safe pedestrian and bike paths.
More information is available in the September Board of Directors report, which is available here.
At the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, diversity and inclusion are integral to how we do business. We strive to advance a culture of inclusion by understanding that diverse perspectives help to fuel innovation. Our mission is to cultivate a work environment where people can be authentically themselves and are empowered to reach their full potential while serving our customers and communities.Soaring Together is our quarterly newsletter highlighting the Airports Authority's diversity and inclusion initiatives that will improve our work culture and our local community. 2024 Soaring Together NewsletterQuater 1 | Spring 2024 2023 Soaring Together NewsletterQuarters 1 & 2 Quarter 32022 Soaring Together NewsletterQuarter 4
