San Diego International Airport (SAN) has been selected as the 2023 Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Environmental Achievement Award winner in the Mitigation Award Category.
Earlier this year, SAN introduced renewable diesel for all non-road diesel vehicles and equipment on the airside. The judging panel praised the program, saying it was an effective way to lower emissions until electricity technologies become more available.
“We sincerely appreciate this recognition for our renewable diesel project,” said Kimberly Becker, President/CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “With the cooperation of our airline fuel consortium and Menzies Aviation on this initiative, the total percentage of alternative fuel vehicles and equipment at SAN (including electric, propane, and renewable diesel) is now 64 percent, greatly reducing our total carbon footprint.”
“SAN Fuel Company is proud to partner with San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to bring renewable diesel to SAN,” said Scott Carrington, Fuel Category Manager at Southwest Airlines and Chair of the SAN Fuel Company. “This partnership is a great example of collaboration between the airport and its airline business partners and it provides a model for others to replicate.”
Renewable diesel is a sustainable fuel that reduces fuel emissions by up to 75 percent compared to petroleum diesel. It is made from vegetable oil, animal fats, and agricultural waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
The award was presented on October 2 at the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) and Environmental Achievement Awards Ceremony during the ACI-NA Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA.
