Future friendly America’s Friendliest Airport® recently launched the Green Business Partner Program, showcasing and recognizing airport businesses and partners that incorporate sustainability into their daily operations.
Blanco Tacos & Tequila, Paradies Lagardère, and Southwest Airlines were among the first businesses to be certified and recognized for their achievements in environmental and social stewardship. These airport businesses and partners represented by different sectors of the travel industry, reflect the growing desire, and need for sustainable action throughout the economy. From small, internal sustainable actions to industry-wide changing achievements in sustainability, these companies are leading the way in balancing economic, social, and environmental initiatives harmoniously.
Blanco Tacos & Tequila, operated by HMS Host, was recognized with a gold certification for demonstrating their commitment to community development in their food donation program to United Services Organization (USO) at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The restaurant is also an active participant in the airport-wide food waste collection program that transforms food waste into nutrient-rich compost.
Paradies Lagardère was also recognized with a gold certification for prioritizing the sourcing of sustainable materials such as electronics made and packaged from recycled materials. In further efforts to reduce their waste, Paradies Lagardère is phasing out plastic bags and minimizing the physical paper receipts given to customers.
Southwest Airlines was recognized with a silver certification for electrifying 93% of their push backs, bag tugs, and belt loaders comprising of all-electric equipment. Because of this, the company continues to improve air quality conditions for their employees, while significantly reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Southwest Airlines also recently expanded into a brand new 90,000 square foot maintenance facility that earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.
The Green Business Partner Program strives to add more airport businesses and partners to join the airport in sustainability in hopes that this program will inspire collaboration and partnerships to meet shared sustainability goals.
To learn more about the Green Business Parter Program and all the sustainability programs and efforts at Phoenix Sky Harbor, visit skyharbor.com/sustainability.