Our Commitment
As new facilities come online at the Airport, environmental sustainability is one of the top priorities. The Authority opened a Regional Intermodal Transportation Center in 2014 that encourages greater use of public transit, reduces traffic on nearby streets, and features a CNG fueling facility for its shuttle bus fleet that is also open to members of the public driving CNG vehicles.
The Airport actively seeks ways to reduce its carbon footprint, reduce air and water pollution, and reduce energy usage.
Clean Air Program
In 2005, the Airport implemented a Clean Air program, under which it installed battery chargers for electric ground service equipment at all 14 aircraft parking positions at the terminal. That installation allowed the airlines to replace much of their diesel and gasoline-powered equipment with electrified equipment, resulting in reduced air pollution.
Airport Carbon Accreditation
Hollywood Burbank Airport is dedicated in reducing emissions through the Airports Council International’s (“ACI”) Airport Carbon Accreditation (“ACA”), which is a voluntary accredited global greenhouse gas (“GHG”) reporting program for airports, enabling them to implement best practices in carbon management and GHG emission reductions. As a first step toward meeting the Authority’s emissions reduction objectives, BUR is applying for Level 2 accreditation in 2023. At Level 2 or above, airports are required to develop a carbon management plan (“CMP” or “Plan”) to demonstrate efforts to reduce emissions in line with the policy statement and GHG emission reduction target.
In a resolution signed by the Airport Authority on Mary 15, 2023 (Resolution 501), the Hollywood Burbank Airport committed to the following:
“The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (“Authority”) is committed in its efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of Hollywood Burbank Airport (“Airport”), integrate sustainable practices into Airport operations, and respond to community concerns while providing economic benefits to the region. The Authority is dedicated to reducing the Airport’s greenhouse gas emissions year after year to minimize the Airport’s carbon footprint over time. Further, the Authority has pledged to reach carbon neutrality at the Airport by 2045, consistent with City of Burbank and State of California goals. Carbon reductions will be measured on a per-passenger basis for emissions under the Authority’s control (known as Scope 1 and 2 emission sources) including fleet and heavy-duty vehicles, emergency generators, firefighting training, refrigerant losses, and purchased electricity. The Authority will strive to achieve these reductions through initiatives such as the clean fleets program, sustainable design and construction program, and renewable energy projects. These advances toward sustainability will support the Authority’s objective to serve its guests while minimizing environmental impacts.”
CNG-Powered Parking Shuttles
In November 2015, the Airport retired its fleet of diesel-powered courtesy shuttle buses and awarded a contract to MV Transportation, Inc. Under the agreement, the new shuttle bus fleet consists of 13 CNG-powered, ADA-compliant vehicles dedicated to the Airport. These 2016 model year vehicles seat 14 passengers in a perimeter seating configuration; provide accommodations for two wheelchairs; and have non-slip floors, door-activated interior lights, electric passenger doors, and 72-inch heavy-duty interior luggage racks.
LEED Compliant Hangar
The Airport is home to the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System platinum-certified aircraft hangar in the nation. The 63,653-square foot hangar has innovative and locally sensitive design elements throughout the project.
Waste Disposal Improvements
The Authority’s waste disposal provider recycles up to two-thirds of the Airport’s waste stream, preventing it from ever reaching a landfill.
Use of recycled water has been enhanced and catch basin filters have been installed to help collect pollutants before they enter the storm drain system.
Faucet aerators and hands-free faucets in the terminal make water usage more efficient, and drip irrigation plus low water-consuming landscaping conserve water on the premises.
Energy Efficient Measures
Lights in the Short Term Parking Structure and both terminals have been replaced with energy efficient bulbs. Taxiway lighting systems have been replaced with LED lighting and other “smart technology” enhancements have been made.
The Airport has a test installation of hybrid “ice energy” air conditioners that produce ice at night when power rates are low and which then chills the air conditioner coolant during the day, reducing both CO2 and Nox.