Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) began its transition to renewable natural gas (RNG) on Jan. 1, with the help of Clean Energy. This partnership calls for Clean Energy to provide AUS with its Redeem brand of renewable natural gas (RNG), the first commercially available vehicle fuel made entirely from 100 percent organic waste.
The AUS shuttle bus fleet has historically utilized alternative fuels. To ensure continued operation, half of the fleet utilizes propane, and the other half is compressed natural gas (CNG). As of Jan. 1, AUS started fueling half of its shuttle bus fleet with RNG, an ultra-low carbon fuel that is cleaner than traditional compressed natural gas (CNG). This will reduce the AUS carbon footprint by approximately 20 percent at no extra cost to the airport.
“We’re very excited to partner with our provider Clean Energy to switch over to RNG. This will have a significant impact on our carbon footprint and is a major step toward achieving our sustainability goals,” said B.J. Carpenter, sustainability program coordinator with AUS.
Natural gas-powered vehicles have been playing an active role at U.S. airports for over two decades, with more than 40 airports across the country running their ground transportation fleets on CNG. The benefits of fueling airport transportation vehicles with natural gas are clear: lower fuel costs compared to diesel, improved public health and air quality, reduced environmental impact from greenhouse gas, and increased U.S. energy independence.
“Switching to vehicles fueled with RNG supports AUS’ commitment to sustainable and responsible transportation and we’re proud to be part of this initiative,” said Chad Lindholm, vice president, Clean Energy. “This is a prime example of an airport taking action to lessen the environmental impact of their shuttle fleet.”
