United Airlines recently received Audubon International Green Hospitality certification for its United Club in Los Angeles International Airport’s Terminal 7. The gold-level certification recognizes the lounge’s indoor air quality, composting program and overall dedication to sustainability. United received separate “green” certifications for United Clubs in other cities, but this is the first awarded by Audubon International, a non-profit environmental education organization dedicated to natural resource management. Additionally, United recently teamed with the organization to protect raptors around New York-area airports, resettling the birds at suitable habitats through the Raptor Relocation Program, which minimizes risk to wildlife and damage to aircraft near busy airports.

“As an industry-leading airline in green initiatives, we are constantly pursuing ways to reduce our footprint, whether through our use of low-carbon, sustainable aviation biofuel or our revaluation of onboard materials that resulted in keeping 30,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the air each year,” said Gavin Molloy, vice president of corporate real estate and environmental affairs, United. “Teaming up with Audubon International enables us to further reduce our impact on the environment not just in the air but also at our facilities across our system.”

“At Los Angeles International Airport, being at the forefront of environmental sustainability is a top priority not only for our airport, but for our airline partners as well,” added Samantha Bricker, deputy executive director for environmental programs, Los Angeles World Airports. “We are pleased that United chose this Los Angeles United Club lounge to be the first to achieve certification through the new Audubon International Green Hospitality Program and we look forward to continuing to work with United on environmental stewardship efforts.”