Sustainability
Investing in the planet today, for a better tomorrow.
At JFKIAT, sustainability is a key business driver. As a leader in the aviation industry, we have an on ongoing commitment to incorporate sustainability throughout all aspects of our value chain. In part of this commitment, our goal is to minimize our carbon footprint, increase climate resiliency, raise awareness about environmental conservation, and continue leading the industry by operating a sustainable and healthy facility for our employees and the millions of passengers who enter our terminal each year.
Our mission and strategy.
Our mission is to continuously advance sustainability initiatives by exploring opportunities in all ESG sectors to create a better, more eco-friendly terminal for all stakeholders. We have developed a strategy that focuses on environmental stewardship, decarbonization, social responsibility, accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement. We aim to collaborate with all stakeholders and address their needs, which enables JFKIAT to achieve a triple bottom line—one that benefits profits, people, and the planet.
Our commitment to a sustainable terminal operation.
Founded by the United Nations in 2015, the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Developmental Goals) provide a blueprint of peace and prosperity for the people and planet in the present and future. At its core, the 17 SDGs recognize that social causes such as ending poverty must go together with strategies that improve health, education, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve biodiversity, oceans, and forests.
Paris Climate Accord
Since 2018, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the first transit agency in the United States to embrace the goals established in the Paris Climate Accord, has sustained its efforts toward achieving the science-based targets of reducing their GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. JFKIAT is committed to supporting and embracing the carbon reduction goals set forth in the Paris Accord.
Awards & Accolades
JFKIAT has been recertified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This accomplishment is in addition to our original LEED Platinum certification in 2022. This prestigious accolade acknowledges T4 as the first pre-existing air terminal in the United States to receive both LEED Platinum and recertification Platinum status. LEED is a third-party green building certification program and the globally recognized standard for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. The highest level of LEED certification is LEED Platinum. To achieve such distinction, T4 adhered to stringent guidelines and earned credits that addressed carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality.
In 2021, T4 became the first air terminal in the United States to receive ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety certification. This certification was awarded after a yearlong audit, assessment, and modification process to ensure that the JFKIAT Safety Management team is going above and beyond in its care for the wellbeing of employees and customers.
We've received the following awards for our efforts in sustainable practices:
- LEED Platinum Recertification
- Crains Notable Leaders in Sustainability
- Greenest Airport Terminal via Green Restaurant Association
- ACI Airport Health Accreditation
- ISO 45001 certification
- GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation
Terminal 4 In the News
JFKT4 Earns LEED Platinum Certification
JFK Airport's Terminal 4 awarded highest-level LEED certification
View JFKIAT’s Sustainability Reports
JFKIAT 2018 Sustainability Report (PDF)
JFKIAT 2019 Sustainability Report (PDF)
JFKIAT 2020 Sustainability Report (PDF)
JFKIAT 2021 Sustainability Report (PDF)
JFKIAT 2022 Sustainability Report (PDF)
