Houston Airports reaches new carbon reduction milestone, making air travel cleanerIAH, HOU and EFD reach Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 while achieving 19% reduction in baseline emissions.

Sep 15, 2025

IAH, HOU and EFD reach Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 while achieving 19% reduction in baseline emissions.

HOUSTON— Houston Airports is halfway to its bold goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% over the 2019 baseline. With a 19% reduction already in hand for the airport system, George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington Airport/Houston Spaceport (EFD) have advanced to Level 3 in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

From 2019 to 2023:

• IAH reduced emissions by 17%
• HOU reduced emissions by 32%
• EFD reduced emissions by 4%

The recognition reflects a systemwide effort that travelers can already feel and see. Within the last three years, Houston Airports has added electric vehicles to its fleet, upgraded airfield lighting with LED bulbs and activated smarter power systems that keep terminals cool in Houston’s heat.

Level 3 widens the focus from airport-owned emissions to include airline and tenant activity. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines shared energy data with Houston Airports, advancing a common plan to cut emissions at the gate and on the ground. 

“Level 3 shows what is possible when airlines, tenants and Houston Airports work together. United and Southwest shared real data, and our team turned it into action travelers can see and feel,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “We are increasing initiatives, reducing our carbon footprint and improving the passenger experience every day. Our airports are already a powerful economic engine, adding billions to the region’s economy. There is no reason we can’t fuel our economy through a greener, more resilient engine that drives growth while also serving as a source of pride for Houstonians.”

Recent and upcoming projects are designed to accelerate progress:

Smarter terminals— IAH D-West Concourse and the new International Terminal Processor are built with higher efficiency  systems. The IAH Terminal B transformation and the HOU West Concourse expansion include modern equipment that uses less energy.

Power with resilience— PV solar panels and new chiller plant at HOU. IAH’s central utility plant upgrades will deliver more efficient chillers, boilers and electrical systems that cut emissions and improve reliability during peak demand.

Clean mobility— A growing airline and airport system electric fleet reduces tailpipe emissions across airport operations.  

LED lighting— Airfield and terminal LEDs improve visibility and safety while lowering energy use.

Why this matters for Houston

Scale and speed: In just three years, Houston Airports advanced IAH, HOU and EFD from no accreditation to Level 3. Few airport systems move this quickly. Houston Airports did so while serving over 60 million passengers annually.

Momentum made visible: What started as infrastructure gains now expands to collaboration with airlines and tenants, proving Houston Airports is building the right partnerships for lasting change.

Passenger intensity: Houston’s passenger volumes translate to roughly eight travelers per metro resident annually, underscoring why energy-efficient terminals, electrified fleets and LED conversions are essential. The more passengers move through our airports, the greater the responsibility to lower emissions without slowing growth.

Right projects, right now: The Terminal B rebuild and the central utility plant upgrade at IAH attack the biggest sources of direct emissions, while partnerships with airlines ensure third-party reductions. Together, these projects affirm the airport system’s aggressive goal to reduce emissions by 40%. 

“As chair of the City Council’s Resilience Committee, I see firsthand how vital it is to link infrastructure with sustainability,” said Council Member Twila Carter. “Reducing carbon emissions at our airports isn’t just about cleaner travel — it’s about smarter planning, safer communities and building a Houston that can thrive for generations to come.”

“Our airports are the gateway to our city. This is an important milestone that reflects Houston Airports’ commitment to our city's economic and environmental well-being,” said Council Member Abbie Kamin, who has been driving resiliency efforts in Houston and serves as vice-chair of both Houston’s Resilience Committee and National League of Cities’ Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Federal Advocacy Committee. “With over 60 million passengers traveling through Houston each year, every step to improve sustainability benefits residents, workers, travelers, and our planet. I am grateful for the incredible team at Houston Airports for their hard work and commitment to showing that the Energy Capital of the World is also the Energy Transition Capital, that economic growth can be environmentally responsible for the benefit of all."

Houston Airports first entered the Airport Carbon Accreditation program in March 2023, achieved Level 1 that September, advanced to Level 2 for Bush and Hobby in 2024, and now advances all three airports to Level 3 in 2025. Formal recognition will be presented at the ACI conference in October.

About Airport Carbon Accreditation | Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally endorsed, global carbon management certification for airports. It is a voluntary, global program milestone that helps airports measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions.

About Houston Airports | Houston Airports operates George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport/Houston Spaceport. The system welcomed a record 63 million passengers in 2024 and continues to invest in projects that deliver smarter travel with a smaller footprint.