Soaring Sustainably

Taking Off Towards a Better Tomorrow

As an economic driver in the region, a vital gateway for the traveling public and the 6th busiest cargo airport in the world (3rd in North America) – the Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA) bears a great responsibility to run daily business safely and efficiently, while also keeping daily operations balanced with our planet and sustainable for our people. Our vision is …

To be an economically viable world port and airport system that supports innovation and customer service, while transporting people and goods in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

To see the vision through – the LRAA, which owns and operates Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Bowman Field (LOU), has committed to the development and implementation of a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP). A plan that also considers local and regional environmental plans such as Louisville’s Sustain Louisville and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Plan.

The Building Blocks

The LRAA is supporting technological, operational and efficient advances that reduce negative climate and community impacts. As part of our sustainability management plan, there are four key focus areas to base our initiatives around: strengthening our economy and community, protecting the environment, advancing operational resilience and sustaining economic growth.

Strengthening our Economy and Community

Strengthening our Economy and Community

Promoting community engagement & stakeholder satisfaction through various organizational programs and competitive strategies, the LRAA aims to evoke vitality and spirit through our various efforts.

2,000+ hours

of volunteer time has been contributed from the team since launching SDF Cares in 2018.

More than 1,500 trees

have been donated to and planted around schools, parks and residents in the local community.

More than 750

families have been assisted with noise control treatments as of August 1, 2024.

Nearly 2,000 students

participated in the SDF Tours Program last year.

Protecting our Environment

Protecting our Environment

 

5,000+ cubic yards

of concrete is recycled annually.

1,375,478 plastic bottles

saved from landfills through our Louisville Water bottle-filling stations alone as of June 2024.

47 tons

of carboard is recycled annually.

1,800+ lights & signange

will have been converted to LED energy efficient lighting by the end of Spring 2024.

Sustaining our Operations

Sustaining our Operations

Uncertainties within the aviation sector, such as extreme weather events and labor shortages, make operational and environmental resilience a primary concern of the industry today. That’s why the LRAA is committed to proactively investing in its facilities and mechanical systems to ‘futureproof’ them for tomorrow.

Current SDF efforts:

Geothermal HVAC System

Made up of 648 vertical wells, each drilled 500 feet deep – SDF’s Geothermal HVAC System is the largest of its kind at any airport in the United States. By using the earth’s natural temperature, it allows us to heat facilities in the winter and cool them in the summer, all while saving enough energy equivalent to planting 500 acres of trees.

Not only is this system a greener way of heating and cooling the airport but it also contributes to a healthier, more comfortable travel experience to airport users, by optimizing the ventilation and filtration of air.

Centralized Microgrid Solar Power

Designed with resiliency in mind – SDF’s newest development underway – incorporates a centralized generator plant, solar photovoltaic (PV) system and battery energy storage. Sized to accommodate current and projected airport loads, this resilient microgrid plan will allow for the entire terminal building to remain operational in the unforeseen event of a complete utility power failure.

Active Noise Control

From takeoff to touchdown, the noise stemming from airport aviation can affect the day-to-day lives of the surrounding community. To combat this concern, the LRAA is working with the HMMH and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) to conduct industry leading research on active noise control technology that will be particularly beneficial for countering low frequency noise that are not well absorbed by alternative methods of mitigation such as sound insulation.

Advancing our Leadership

Advancing our Leadership

As it takes working together to create a greener tomorrow – remaining compliant, transparent, and proactive with our efforts is a key element in succeeding in business compatibility with the environment.

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY STATEMENT

Environmental Program Manager

Bob Slattery

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