
Environmental Initiatives
As an environmental pioneer, the Authority has reduced its environmental footprint, integrated long-term viability in its operations, and been responsive to community concerns, all while providing economic benefits to the region, which has been the hallmark of the Airport Authority since its inception.
Our Commitment
As new facilities come online at the Airport, environmental responsibility is one of the top priorities. The Authority opened a Regional Intermodal Transportation Center in 2014 that encourages greater use of public transit and reduces traffic on nearby streets. 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. BUR successfully met requirements to enter the ACA program at Level 2 in October 2023 and continues to renew its Level 2 status year over year. 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 May 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.”
Electric-Powered Parking Shuttles
On May 5, 2025, ACE parking replaced four gasoline buses with four (4) new Endera all-electric shuttles, manufactured in Ohio, with a range of 135-150 miles and seat up to fourteen people. The replacement of the four gasoline buses brings the Airport’s shuttle fleet to 50% all-electric. The shuttle buses are quieter and are better for the environment.
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.
The use of recycled water has been expanded to cover approximately 80% of the landscape areas across the Airport.
Filtration has been installed in catch basins on airside to capture pollutants before they enter the stormwater 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.
Environmental Initiatives
The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority is committed to air emissions reduction and sustainability. Since May 4, 2018, Hollywood Burbank Airport has been working in cooperation with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Governing Board to fulfill the 2016 AQMP Facility-Based Mobile Source Measures. To meet these measures, the South Coast Basin Airports have worked collectively with the South Basin Airports to proactively share Airport best practices, policies, and common approaches in developing Air Quality Improvement Programs (AQIPs).
BUR has developed comprehensive AQIPs that represent a wholistic plan to reduce emissions from non-aircraft mobile sources related to airport operations. The AQIPs demonstrate the Authority’s long commitment to air emissions reduction and sustainability, which is reflected in the Airport’s operations and development plans, and which is now being documented in the AQIP.
For updated information on the Air Quality Improvement Program, click here.