AUS Environmental Achievements: A 2025 Recap

The phrase “Environmental Champion” can be defined as an organization that has exceptional environmental best practices that deliver customer value with fewer resources, energy, water, waste, and pollution, while creating a positive impact for the environment and community.

This is a standard that any organization would love to achieve, and thanks to, the work of teams across the airport, it’s a designation that truly reflects the efforts of Austin Aviation, the team that maintains and operates much of the airport infrastructure.

We have a lot of environmental stewardship efforts and programs that we’re proud of, but here are some of our top moments and milestones from past year:

Clean Energy Fuel and Carbon Offsets

Since the airport opened in 1999, Austin Aviation has used alternative fuels such as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) in its shuttle bus fleet to reduce emissions. Starting in 2020, through a partnership with Clean Energy Fuels Corp., we have used renewable natural gas emissions (RNG) for the CNG portion of our shuttle bus fleet. RNG is made entirely from organic waste.

In 2025, we were able to share surplus RNG credits with other airport partners, helping reduce emissions by up to 60%.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Austin Aviation continues to support the expansion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the airport.

SAF is a non-petroleum-based alternative jet fuel made from renewable waste, fats, oils, and biomass. It can help reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to regular jet fuel.

In November 2025, Million Air accepted their first-ever delivery of SAF. They joined Signature Flight Support in offering this fuel alternative to customers and their AUS operation was the company’s very first Texas location to accept and offer SAF.

Electrification Efforts

Electrification of vehicles and equipment continues to be a primary focus for Austin Aviation on both the landside and airside, along with our airlines.

In 2025, we began working with several airlines on planning the installation of ground service equipment (GSE) chargers on the ramp as well as including new GSE chargers with the West Gate Expansion. These efforts support the airlines’ conversion from diesel to electric.

A new partnership with Tesla was also established to install 20 new Tesla Superchargers in the Cell Phone Lot.  In addition, our Environmental Affairs team worked with onsite rental car companies to install over 110 level 2 & level 3 chargers in the rental car facility and satellite facilities to support their fleets. We have also completed our first ever Electric Vehicle (EV) roadmap guiding efforts for installing chargers across campus supporting our own EV fleet as it expands. Installations are expected to begin in 2026.

Reclaimed Water Usage

Reclaimed water is a huge part in Austin Aviation’s efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

Reclaimed water, usually generated by homes and businesses, is treated wastewater that is reused for many beneficial purposes, including industrial processes, irrigation, and even drinking water.

The Midfield Taxiway Project is currently installing on a new reclaimed water line that will be used for construction and dust control replacing potable water.

All of these efforts with Austin Water will conserve valuable resources, preserve more potable water for residents and better position Austin for drought conditions.

ACI Carbon Accreditation

Austin Aviation is proud to maintain our industry designation as a carbon neutral airport.

In 2025, we achieved a Level 3+ Neutrality in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (ACA) for the fourth year in a row. The ACA Program is a global carbon management certification program for airports, and a Level 3+ achievement means the airport operations overseen and managed by Austin Aviation are carbon neutral.

Austin Chamber Environmental Champion Award

In 2025, Austin Aviation was recognized at the Greater Austin Business Awards with the Environmental Champion Award! This award highlighted Austin Aviation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable outcomes for visitors and employees. The ceremony mentioned the implementation of renewable energy initiatives, carbon offsets, electrification efforts, green building efforts, food recycling, and several other factors that contributed to the prestigious award. Austin Aviation was selected among a strong group of nominees, including UPLIFT Desk, Austin Energy, Build Native, IREP Junk Removal, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, St. Edward’s University, Xtrium, VVater, PachaMama Bees, and Moody Center.

This honor reflects a continued commitment to environmental excellence and service. Want to dive deeper into Austin Aviation’s environmental affairs division, projects and efforts to promote a healthy airport environment?

Visit: www.flyaustin.com/AUSEnvironmentalAffairs