Sustainability Initiatives

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is committed to sustainability by pursuing fiscally responsible practices that minimize environmental impacts. We believe we have the responsibility to provide economically viable sustainable solutions to our employees, our tenants, passengers, local community and region. We are committed to maintaining a balanced, integrated approach to future development and operations based on economic stability, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

The Airport has embraced and incorporated various sustainable approaches into its daily operations. Sustainability initiatives include the addition of electric buses, the installation of solar panels, more energy efficient systems, electric vehicle charging stations and the use of alternative fuel vehicles. CLT routinely recycles crushed concrete and asphalt during construction, reclaims water from bus washing and provides water bottle filling stations for employees and customers.

“We want to become a leader in environmental stewardship by implementing sustainability practices that benefit the Airport as well as our local community,” said Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry. “The Airport is committed to being environmentally conscious, reducing carbon emissions and fostering a healthier community.”

Comprehensive Sustainability Plan

In 2020, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department adopted its Comprehensive Sustainability Plan. The plan will enable CLT to become a leader in environmental stewardship by implementing best practices to help minimize the environmental impacts of our operations for the benefit of our local community. Over the next 20 years, the Airport will use this plan as a guide as we adopt new, sustainable practices.

Developed in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and community members, the Aviation Department’s Comprehensive Sustainability Plan is centered around six focus areas, each supported by their environmental, economic and/or social performance targets and goals. The focus areas are:

• Waste
• Health
• Energy and Emissions
• Water, Stormwater and Landscape
• Transportation
• Community, Equity and Economic Development

City of Charlotte Aviation Department Sustainability Program & Plan Summary
City of Charlotte Aviation Department Comprehensive Sustainability Plan

The Aviation Department’s Comprehensive Sustainability Plan reflects the Airport’s commitment to helping the City of Charlotte achieve the objectives outlined in its Strategic Energy Action Plan, which strives to have the city’s fleet and facilities fueled by 100 percent zero-carbon sources by 2030.

CLT’s Vision for Sustainability

We will become a leader in environmental stewardship by maintaining a balanced, integrated approach to future development and operations based on economic stability, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.