Lax And Vny Airports Reach Level 4 Carbon Accreditation

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) have been awarded Level 4 – Transformation status in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, as announced by Airports Council International (ACI).

The ACA scheme is an independent, industry-recognised framework that evaluates airport efforts to monitor and manage carbon emissions. Level 4 accreditation goes beyond internal emissions to include those generated by third parties on the airport premises.

Operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), both LAX and VNY have progressively moved through ACA’s multi-level accreditation scheme since 2016. Level 4 accreditation signifies a demonstrable reduction in carbon emissions and includes alignment with global climate targets. This recognition reflects LAWA’s stated aim to achieve carbon neutrality from airport operations by 2045.

Notably, Van Nuys has become the first general aviation airport in the Americas to attain Level 4 or higher within the ACA programme.

Airport carbon accreditation highlights LAWA's commitment to building a sustainable future, while maintaining safe and efficient operations. LAX is only one of six commercial airports in the nation to be accredited at Level 4 or higher, and Van Nuys Airport is the only general aviation airport in the Americas to achieve this distinction. I am proud of the work that LAWA and our partners are doing to invest in our people, our future, and a greener future for all.

LAWA has set three long-term environmental goals to be achieved by 2045:

Several key initiatives have contributed to recent progress, as detailed below.

Energy Efficiency: As of 2023, LAX achieved a 26% reduction in energy consumption per passenger compared to 2011, meeting its 2025 target ahead of schedule.

Ground Support Equipment Incentives: In 2024, an incentive programme was launched to help operators transition to zero-emission electric ground support equipment.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: LAX expanded its EV charger network to 1,261 units, accessible in terminal parking structures and the economy parking area.

Green Building Certifications: Several LAX facilities have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, including the Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility and multiple terminal core structures.

Emission Reductions: In 2023, greenhouse gas emissions per aircraft operation fell by 7% from the previous year and by 31% compared to 2011. This reflects increased use of renewable diesel and electric vehicles in the airport’s fleet.

Energy Usage: Total energy consumption at VNY dropped 7.6% in 2023 compared with 2022 levels.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Deliveries of SAF to VNY rose significantly, from approximately 91,000 gallons in 2023 to over 2.5 million gallons in 2024.

Unleaded Aviation Fuel: Deliveries of unleaded aviation gasoline also increased markedly, quadrupling between 2023 and 2024.