In recognition of Earth Day, Allegheny County Airport Authority employees will participate in several activities to increase awareness of sustainable initiatives, conserve natural resources and improve the community.
At Pittsburgh International Airport, in direct response to a passenger request, five new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in the long-term parking lot near the end of the covered walkway. This brings the total number of EV charging stations to 11, with six other stations located in short-term parking.
On Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Airside Terminal Center Core, volunteer airport ambassadors will staff an information table and prize wheel for passengers to win various green giveaways including water bottles, wildflower seeds and pencils.
On Saturday, 22 Airport Authority employees will assist the Montour Trail Council in beautifying a section of the Montour Trail near mile marker 0. Employees will help clean up litter, repair planter boxes and cut grass. This is the second year that employees have participated in community trail cleanup efforts.
Additionally on Saturday, Kevin Gurchak, Vice President of Sustainability and Natural Resources, will take California University of Pennsylvania students on a field trip around airport property to learn about naturally-occurring and constructed wetlands, as well as examining airport-implemented water quality improvement techniques.
The Airport Authority has maintained partnerships with Cal U, the Montour Run Watershed Association and other community groups since 2001 to protect land and streams that surround the airport.
In addition to recycling throughout the terminals, Pittsburgh International Airport advances year-round initiatives aimed at conservation and sustainability:
- More than 4,000 plastic water bottles are saved each week thanks to 11 water bottle filling stations located throughout the Landside and Airside Terminals.
- In addition to hives at the Hyatt Regency hotel, the Airport Authority provides space for beehives and beekeepers near its fire training facility and works with local beekeepers to gently remove and relocate honeybee swarms from the airfield in order to preserve these important pollinators.
- Every winter season, the airport collects and recycles spent aircraft deicing fluid. During 2015-16, the airport recycled more than 2.1 million gallons.
- The airport’s aircraft fueling hydrant system eliminates the need for fueling trucks which significantly reduces vehicle emissions and potential for spills.
- The airport has completed numerous indoor and outdoor lighting upgrades that reduce electricity consumption and terminals are designed to maximize natural lighting.
