Sea-Tac Airport One of the Nation's Greenest

Clean Airport Partnership report highlights Sea-Tac's environmental accomplishments

An independent report released today reveals that the environmental efforts at Seattle-Tacoma Airport combine to make one of the strongest environmental programs at any airport in the nation.

The report was conducted by the non-profit organization Clean Airport Partnership (CAP), which works with airports and communities to improve environmental quality and efficiency. CAP was retained by the Port of Seattle to assess the airport's current environmental achievements and identify opportunities for further reducing environmental impacts and the airport's contribution to climate change. Conclusions were based upon Sea-Tac's achievements compared to other U.S. airports.

"These study results show the airport is a cornerstone of the Port of Seattle's existing strong environmental record," said Port Commission President John Creighton. "We will build upon this foundation as we strive to make the entire Port of Seattle the cleanest and greenest port in America. Environmental leadership will help differentiate us from organizations that are forced to mandate strict regulations."

Sea-Tac's existing environmental programs encompass recycling; air quality and alternative fuels; noise, wetland and stream mitigation; and management of stormwater, hazardous waste and wildlife. Following are a few examples of the activities that help make Sea-Tac a "green" airport:

Energy use reduced by 25 percent per square foot;

Water usage reduced by 52 million gallons annually;

Air emissions minimized with vehicles powered by natural gas;

Recycle about 1,250 tons of materials a year--including coffee grounds that are turned into compost and bulk grease that is recycled as bio-diesel fuel.

Among the report's suggestions for expanding Sea-Tac's environmental program are "green" purchasing practices and providing pre-conditioned air for planes parked at gates to reduce emissions from idling engines.

"We're proud of our environmental achievements and look forward to exploring ways to expand our programs in a fiscally responsible way," said Sea-Tac's Managing Director Mark M. Reis. "We will evaluate the ideas identified in the report, and continue to make financial sustainability a key part of the equation as we work to become the cleanest, greenest and most energy efficient airport, and a role model for others."

Download the report. (52 MB.PDF)