sustainability
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has been a longtime leader in proactively responding to environmental concerns across a wide spectrum, ranging from a standard-setting noise mitigation program to the preservation of Minnesota wetlands.
In an era where air travel is forecast only to increase, MAC views environmental sustainability as integral to the MAC mission to "set the standard in environmental stewardship in the development and operation of our airport system."
Being good stewards means operating and developing our airports in ways that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Sustainable solutions are those that address long-term environmental, operational, financial and social needs. Learn more by downloading the STAR brochure.
Airport Noise and Mitigation Programs
Learn more about our airport noise and mitigation programs at www.macnoise.com.
Air Quality
MAC has implemented a comprehensive program that targets air quality enhancements directly related to its operations at MSP Airport.
In December 2010, the Metropolitan Airports Commission published a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report. The primary focus of this study was to determine the annual CO2e emissions from MAC-owned and -controlled sources at MSP, with the geographic footprint defined as the MSP property. The analysis went on to determine the GHG emissions footprint for MSP as a whole, including the emissions from other sources located at MSP. These other emission sources are not directly under MAC control, but may be influenced by MAC projects and jurisdictional responsibilities.
Green Buildings, Facilities & Infrastructure
MAC is committed to developing green buildings and to operating its facilities in ways that conserve energy, water and other natural resources.
A few examples:
- In 2011, MAC will begin a multi-year restroom remodeling project. Materials and fixtures are being chosen based on durability, safety, energy & water conservation, ease of cleaning & maintenance, ergonomics, and accessibility – criteria that add up to a sustainable, long-lasting design and superior customer experience.
- Natural light from the sun is a cheap and environmentally-friendly source for indoor lighting. Even during a Minnesota winter there’s plenty of sunlight to take advantage of. Generally, daylighting minimizes the amount of artificial light needed in a space, reducing electricity costs. It can also lower heating and cooling costs by reducing the amount of heat generated by electrical lighting.Both Terminal 2-Humphrey and newer portions of Terminal 1-Lindbergh already benefit from this technique into its facility improvement plans.
Waste Management and Recycling at MSP
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is committed to reducing and recycling waste whenever possible.
Did you know the MAC recycles more than what you throw in the recycling containers at the airport?
- MAC recycles: paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastic bottles, batteries, food/organic waste, grease, wood pallets, tires, construction materials, tree/yard waste, paint, automotive oil, antifreeze, solvents, deicing fluid, lightbulbs and printer cartridges.
- In 2010 MAC recycled or diverted 910 tons of materials, avoiding more than $86,000 in disposal costs.
- Since 2001 MAC has saved just under three-quarters of a million dollars in waste disposal costs by recycling these products.
- Travelers at MSP can help the airport continue its recycling success story by recycling their glass, paper, plastic and aluminum products. Co-mingled receptacles are now available both inside and outside the secure area. Look for these containers when disposing of your magazines, newspapers, cans, and bottles.
With more than 45 dining options to choose from at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), customers enjoy a wide variety of choices. While these establishments do all they can to minimize all types of waste, some waste, including food waste, is inevitable.
In 2009, MAC recognized it had a unique opportunity to reduce the amount of food/organic waste entering the solid waste stream by designing and implementing programs for diverting these wastes.
- Grease from fryers is a significant waste disposal challenge at MSP. In 2010, 88.04 tons of used cooking oil/grease was recycled. The used cooking oil is sent offsite and converted into biodiesel.
- In 2010, MAC implemented a pilot program for back-of-house organic waste composting. Partnering with one of its concessionaires (HMSHost) and its janitorial company (ABM), in 2010 the airports commission was able to divert and compost 80 tons of food waste, keeping it out of the local waste stream.
- The pilot program includes these restaurants at Terminal 1-Lindbergh: French Meadow Bakery, Ike’s Food & Cocktails, Rock Bottom Brewery and Starbuck’s. By year-end 2012, all restaurants at MSP are expected to be participating in the program.
Watch this video about the organics waste recycling program at MSP.
Learn more about MAC's Recycling Efforts at MSP.
Read more about other STAR program highlights and accomplishments.