Airports and Airlines Cutting Carbon Footprint

Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Schemes
One of the most popular ways by which airports and airlines have sought to reduce their carbon footprint is by introducing carbon offsetting and reduction schemes.
San Francisco International Airport has been a leader in sustainability, launching various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. This includes transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, installing solar panels, and utilising alternative energy sources. SFO also encourages carbon offsetting through passenger awareness programs.
Similarly, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the first airport in North America to achieve carbon neutral status, attributed to its comprehensive energy efficiency programs, use of renewable energy, and carbon offset program that includes local and global environmental projects.
In terms of airlines, Delta has committed to becoming carbon neutral and invests in a variety of offsetting projects, including reforestation and renewable energy projects. The airline also focuses on reducing its emissions through fleet renewal, improved operational efficiencies, and sustainable aviation fuels.
Furthermore, EasyJet offsets the carbon emissions from the fuel used for all of its flights by investing in projects that include renewable energy, forestation, and community-based initiatives, much like Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The Future Direction of Airports, Airlines, and Carbon Footprints
Airports and airlines are aware that greener aviation is a major challenge. Not only does it require cross-company collaboration and agreement but it is also at the whim of domestic and international politics and regulations. Not to mention the fact that carbon footprint-reducing initiatives are often very expensive and require a lot of investment from both the public and private sectors.
A great way for airports and airlines to begin making positive steps is to consider their day-to-day operations and how they can be improved to reduce their short-term carbon footprints. Combined with innovative carbon offsetting schemes, this will see carbon footprints begin to reduce over time and then hopefully carbon offsetting airports and airlines will become the industry standard.
Another key challenge for these airlines and airports, however, is how to introduce these types of measures in the short term without passing the cost on to the customer.