The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority released its inaugural Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Impact Report last week. Highlighting significant achievements throughout 2023, this new report incorporates narratives and metrics that better align with industry reporting standards. It replaces the Corporate Social Responsibility report from past years.

The 58-page report enumerates activities and accomplishments that support the Authority’s efforts to provide safe and efficient operations at its two airports, as well as the Dulles Toll Road and related infrastructure. It also shows how the Airports Authority supports employees, passengers, business partners and the local community.

“When it comes to the Airports Authority’s accomplishments, we have a great story to tell,” said Tanisha Lewis, vice president, diversity, inclusion and social impact. “The ESG report provides detailed insights into our mission to operate two world-class airports in a way that benefits passengers, employees and the community.” 

Environment
•    Recycled over 4 tons of electronics, 31 tons of paper and 440 pounds of toner 
•    Installed 12 mobile liquid collection stations at security checkpoints to reduce the weight of municipal solid waste and disposal costs
•    Promoted sustainable mobility which resulted in over 4,000 Capital Bikeshare riders at Reagan National Airport and over 1 million riders at the Dulles International Airport Metro station on the Silver Line
•    Dulles solar energy facility: 800-acre, 100-megawatt airport solar facility broke ground, with completion expected in 2026

Social
•    New sunflower lanyard program: discreetly identifies and assists passengers with hard-to-spot disabilities (over 1,183 lanyards distributed to passengers and employees)
•    Donated over 7,500 items to local schools, shelters and charities, including 20 vehicles
•    Community engagement: 10 events, including Earth Day clean-up, Dulles Day event benefiting Special Olympics Virginia and a student backpack drive
•    Workforce development expos at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports: introducing over 400 local students to airport jobs and careers

Governance
•    Achieved a 2.77x debt service coverage ratio (more than double the minimum requirement of 1.25x), underscoring commitment to robust financial health and stability
•    Maintained high ethical standards across the organization. All employees completed annual ethics training
•    Board leadership: Created new ESG committee with representatives from diverse board committees

The effectiveness of an ESG business strategy is increasingly considered by rating agencies, insurance companies, investors, airlines and potential employees, and local governments and regulators. Producing this report annually is the next step in incorporating this strategy and demonstrating the Airports Authority’s commitment to the core ESG components.

The 2023 ESG impact report can be viewed here.