MIA named top airport in North America for Environmental Management

Airport Wins ACI-NA Environmental Achievement Award for Sustainability Project

MIAMI - On March 29, Miami International Airport was recognized by Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) – the leading industry organization representing the governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada – with its top award for environmental management. MIA received ACI-NA’s 2017 Environmental Achievement Award in the Environmental Management category for the Sustainability Project at MIA, one of the largest energy-saving programs ever in the eastern U.S. The award was presented to MIA at ACI-NA’s 2017 Airports@Work Conference in Las Vegas. “This national award is well-deserved recognition for one of the largest projects Miami-Dade County has ever undertaken to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “The cost savings and energy conservation from this project is providing huge benefits to our airport tenants, passengers, and the environment as a whole. Congratulations to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department for their industry leadership in sustainability.”  Launched in August 2015 in partnership with Florida Power & Light Services (FPLS), the project has installed $32 million worth of air conditioning and ventilation upgrades, water conservation retrofits, energy-efficient lighting and other innovative solutions at MIA that will save the airport more than 35 million kilowatts of power per year and $40 million in utility costs over the 14-year contract period with FPLS. In terms of environmental conservation, the project is reducing annual carbon emissions at MIA by the equivalent of 5,110 automobiles and water consumption equal to 28 million gallons of water or 43 Olympic-size swimming pools. “In addition to being America’s busiest airport for international freight, one of its top international passenger gateways, and a leading economic engine, we are honored to be recognized as a leader in environmental management as well,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “Being an energy-smart airport is also smart business. The $40 million in savings helps us decrease the operating expenses passed on to current and prospective airlines, which in turn spurs investment at MIA and in our local economy.” Established by the ACI-NA Environmental Affairs Committee, the annual ACI-NA Environmental Achievement Awards acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of ACI-NA members by promoting awareness more broadly within the airport community, the general public and regulators of the many notable and innovative efforts being undertaken by environmental professionals at airports. Winners in each category were selected by a four-judge panel and based on the project’s environmental benefits, innovation, effective implementation, widespread applicability and cost-effectiveness. "For many years, North American airports have undertaken important work to enhance their communities through innovative approaches to sustainable business practices,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke.  “North American airports recognize that continued sustainability leads to economic vitality and operational efficiency while minimizing their environmental footprint. The 2017 ACI-NA Environmental Achievement Award winners such as Miami International Airport are industry leaders when it comes to protecting the environment while serving their passengers and communities.”