I am pleased to share with you this year’s Los Angeles
World Airports (LAWA) 2020 Sustainability Report for Los
Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport
(VNY). The Report was developed by our exceptional
Environmental Programs Division and summarizes our
continued efforts to advance sustainability throughout
LAWA’s business activities, properties, facilities, and
communities.
There is no doubt that 2020 was an unprecedented year
for the aviation industry, LAWA included. We experienced
significant decreases in operations and passenger levels
due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, travel
restrictions, and compliance with the Los Angeles
Safer-at-Home Order. The COVID-19 pandemic caused
atypical results for many of our sustainability
performance measures, including energy and water use per
passenger, as well as waste diversion and recycling.
Despite these impacts, LAWA continues to prioritize
sustainability efforts and achieve sustainability
targets identified in the 2019 Sustainability Action Plan
(SAP).
In addition to the successful completion and ongoing
efforts to achieve SAP goals and targets, some key
highlights of LAWA’s sustainability performance in 2020
include:
›› Adopted Mobility Strategic Plan;
›› Implemented the LAX “Fly Quieter”
Program (SAP Goal Completed January 2020);
›› Launched web-based noise portals for
LAX and VNY (SAP Goal Completed August 2020);
›› Achieved Airport Council International
Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 for LAX and VNY;
With COVID-19 impacting operations and passenger levels
at both LAX and VNY, LAWA implemented several innovative
new technologies and strategies to help our passengers
and employees feel safe in our facilities. These efforts
are described further in this Report; however, examples
of these efforts include:
›› Launched COVID-19 Recovery Task Force;
›› Launched LAWA’s Travel Safely Website;
›› Installed hand sanitizers in public
stations;
›› Installed new touchless faucets;
›› Provided free face covers to travelers;
›› Installed UV light air cleaning
systems;
›› Developed rigorous cleaning protocols;
›› Utilized Travel Safely Ambassadors;
›› Deployed thermal cameras for health
screening;
›› Developed a mobile application for food
and beverage orders;
›› Installed acrylic barriers at airline
desks;
›› Hosted on-site COVID-19 testing;
LAWA’s success is attributed to the dedication and hard
work of our employees and tenants, as well as our
partnerships and support from local agencies,
organizations, and business partners. I am grateful to
work with such positive and forward-thinking individuals
that are dedicated to progressing sustainability at
LAWA. We appreciate the passengers’ and local
communities’ patience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we continue to work through unexpected challenges, we
are looking ahead with the hope to return to “normal”
operations. We will continue to focus on the future of
LAWA and our ongoing efforts to be a sustainability
leader in the aviation industry.