DFW International Airport’s “Green” Excellence Recognized By Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – March. 13, 2008) – DFW International Airport has become the first airport in Texas to achieve the highest level of recognition awarded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for its continued environmental achievement with acceptance into the Clean Texas Program – Platinum level. DFW becomes one of just 12 other organizations to have achieved the state agency’s highest award since the program’s inception in 1992. This state recognition comes less than a year after DFW earned a place on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track program for Environmental Leadership. 

“DFW has demonstrated its commitment to the highest standards of environmental stewardship and the careful management of the 18,000 acres entrusted to the Airport,” said Jim Crites, DFW’s executive vice president of operations. “DFW has made the necessary investments over the past several years and now the Airport and the entire North Texas region are benefiting from lower air pollution and better water quality.” 

DFW’s key to success with its green initiatives has been the implementation of its Environmental Management System, which serves as a platform to manage regulated aspects of the Airport’s air transportation operations and commercial enterprise.  

“The Airport has invested continuously and has reduced its air emissions by 95 percent over the past several years,” said Dan Bergman, vice president of environmental affairs for DFW. “In addition, the Airport has reduced its energy consumption by six percent, or the equivalent of powering 442 homes. The Airport’s goal was to reduce its emissions, but we earned the added benefit of an annual savings on our energy expenses.” 

DFW has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to environmental leadership and has been recognized as a role model by the air transportation industry, the Environmental Protection Agency and now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 

The following is a summary of DFW’s recent environmental accomplishments:

• Reduced air emissions by 95 percent

• Captured and treated five million pounds of spent aircraft deicing fluid, preventing discharge to the creeks and rivers surrounding the Airport

• Replaced aging boilers and chillers with state-of-the-art technology, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 39 tons per year

• Replaced 100 percent of the light-to-medium duty fleet; 70 percent of heavy duty and off-road fleet; and 100 percent of the bus and shuttle van fleet, all reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 557 tons per year

• Reduced energy footprint by 25 million British thermal units (MMBTUs)

• Re-used 2.5 million cubic yards of excavated soil, saving $1.5 million in materials acquisition costs

• Recycled 355,000 tons of demolition debris for on-airport cement production

• Recycled 971 tons of white paper in 2007

• Recycled 160 tons of cardboard per month

• Recycled 4,000 pounds of spent fluorescent light bulbs annually

• Recycled 6,000 gallons of used oil and seven cubic yards of spent oil filters annually 

Clean Texas is a voluntary environmental leadership program to protect air, water, and land resources in Texas with nearly 400 organizations recognized in four categories. The program requires organizations to not only meet the minimum legal standards, but to set goals and targets for environmental performance and beyond compliance. 

The TCEQ’s Clean Texas program recognizes organizations for creative approaches in resolving environmental challenges and setting goals that exceed compliance levels under existing regulations; for supporting regional partnerships and networking to achieve local goals; for promoting public awareness and participation in activities that protect air, water, and land resources; and for encouraging organizations to implement sustainable practices & reporting measurable environmental results. 

For J.D. Power and Associates Award information, visit www.jdpower.com.