Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the first and only airport in North America and one of 23 airports in the world to receive Carbon Neutral status, awarded by the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program. It is the highest level of environmental achievement airports can possibly obtain through the program and celebrates the reduction of emissions and the airport’s carbon footprint.

The status is only obtained after net carbon dioxide emissions over an entire year are measured at zero. In order to accomplish this, the airport absorbed or offset an amount of carbon dioxide equal to what it produced.

“This major achievement demonstrates DFW Airport’s commitment to serving our community and our world with a comprehensive, holistic approach to sustainability. Our team has made major strides in reducing DFW’s carbon footprint by how we manage precious resources such as energy and water, and how the airport manages vehicle fuels, emissions, waste, recycling and our land,” said Sean Donohue, CEO, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Since beginning its efforts in 2010, the airport reduced carbon emissions on a per passenger basis by 29 percent, and reduced energy costs by 38 percent. It covers 100 percent of its annual electric consumption through renewable energy credits and lowers energy consumption with specialized heating and cooling systems. Water-saving fixtures in restrooms cut water usage in all terminals by 50 percent, saving a total of 5 million gallons of water monthly. Almost the entire airport vehicle fleet uses clean-burning compressed natural gas.

“We recognize that environmental improvement is an economic, social and business imperative for the airport and for the community we serve. Sustainability touches everyone and this work helps ensure a brighter tomorrow for our children as well as our Dallas Fort Worth area partners and neighbors,” said Jim Crites, executive vice president for operations, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.