Queens, New York – April 17, 2023 – We are proud to share that on behalf of JFKIAT – the operator of Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport – Roel Huinink, President and CEO of JFKIAT, was named to Crain’s New York Business’ inaugural Notable Leaders in Sustainability. The list recognizes industry leaders and sustainability advocates in the New York metro area for their continued efforts to implement sustainability strategies and initiatives within their organization.
Sustainability is a key pillar for JFKIAT, and through our comprehensive sustainability program, we are on a journey to continue investing in initiatives focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. Our team ensures that JFKIAT incorporates sustainability into all aspects of the company, reducing our carbon footprint, increasing climate resiliency, and operating a sustainable and healthy facility for our employees and the millions of passengers who enter the terminal each year. As a result of our efforts, last fall T4 became the first pre-existing air terminal in the nation to be awarded LEED Platinum certification for operations and maintenance by the U.S. Green Building Council – the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence.
“It’s an honor to be recognized on Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability list, and I am proud of our team’s continued sustainability efforts and positive difference JFKIAT has made in our community,” said Huinink. “Sustainability is a core component of our mission, and we will continue to innovate our operations, invest in sustainable alternatives throughout the terminal, and expand our environmentally friendly programs with our stakeholders.”
JFKIAT is committed to leading the industry as a pioneer in sustainability by implementing new programs and ensuring our efforts are in line with the UN’s Sustainable Developmental Goals. In the past year, JFKIAT launched: Oscar, an AI waste management system with sensors that scan waste and direct people to properly dispose of waste; a compost program in our offices to help increase our diversion rate with compost sent to local farms; a dedicated webpage spotlighting our sustainability initiatives; and more. Additionally, earlier this year JFKIAT purchased 5,000 gallons of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) in collaboration with Delta Air Lines to reduce aviation pollution and emit lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Throughout the year, JFKIAT also supports nonprofits and local businesses to benefit the greater Queens community. As part of our sustainability programming, we launched a donation platform, where T4’s tenants can recycle used furniture by donating to nonprofits, schools, religious institutions, and other communities, while reducing the amount of waste entering into landfills. Through JFKIAT’s 4GOOD program last year, we raised $150,000 in donations and distributed funds to 15 nonprofits that support Queens residents.
For more information, please visit: https://www.crainsnewyork.com/awards/notable-2023-leaders-sustainability
