Philadelphia International Airport achieves Level 3 Optimisation

October 1, 2024

We are excited to announce that Philadelphia International Airport in the United States has successfully fulfilled all the requirements to upgrade to Level 3 Optimisation of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

Achieving Level 3 requires airports to expand the scope of their carbon footprint assessment to include various Scope 3 emissions and present evidence of engaging with third-party operators to reduce these emissions. This builds on the continued efforts to reduce emissions under the airport’s direct control, which is the key requirement of Level 2 Reduction.

Philadelphia International Airport, operated by the Philadelphia Department of Aviation, has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming for a 30% reduction in fossil fuel use by 2030 and committing to generate or purchase 100% renewable energy by the same year. To achieve these objectives, the airport has implemented several sustainability initiatives. These include the installation of over 200 charging stations for electric Ground Support Equipment, the introduction of Preconditioned Air units at Terminals A-East and F, which allow aircraft to use cleaner electricity while parked, and the installation of portable Ground Power Units at American Airlines’ maintenance hangar.

In addition, Philadelphia International Airport has acquired hybrid vehicles for the Division of Aviation, upgraded energy efficiency across airport-owned facilities and infrastructure, and made efforts in electrifying the airport and tenant vehicle fleets.  Furthermore, it is actively exploring renewable energy projects, including solar and geothermal, and investigating sustainable fuel options for both vehicles and aircraft.

Through collaboration with tenants, staff, passengers, city leadership, and community stakeholders, Philadelphia International Airport is embedding sustainability and resilience into its operations, working towards a more sustainable future.

Discover more about the environmental initiatives at Philadelphia International Airport here.