Long Beach Airport Cuts Carbon Emissions by 56%, Renews Sustainability Accreditation

Long Beach Airport (LGB) has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 56% since 2016, surpassing its original climate goals, and recently received its renewed Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) from Airports Council International, one of 75 U.S. airports to receive an accreditation. These achievements underscore LGB’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“Over the last decade, Long Beach Airport has cut emissions 56%—proof that sustainability and innovation can thrive together,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This renewed carbon accreditation is a milestone on our journey to a greener future.”

The renewed accreditation, announced in October at the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) Annual Conference in Toronto, highlights the Airport’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions on a per-passenger basis with the ultimate goal of a carbon neutral facility. LGB has already far surpassed its original emission reduction goals of 20% by 2025 and 40% by 2030, compared to 2016 levels.

LGB first earned its ACA certification in 2021 based on inventories of its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions from 2016 to 2019. The emissions reduction targets are based on the 2016 baseline year. Scope 1 emissions are Airport-owned or controlled sources, such as Airport vehicles, refrigerant losses and emergency backup generators. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased energy, such as electricity and natural gas. The emissions were verified by an independent third-party as a condition of the certification.

LGB has made a number of strides in sustainability, including embarking on a voluntary emissions reduction program with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and fully electrifying all 11 commercial gates for ground service equipment. LGB also incentivizes the purchase of cleaner, unleaded aviation fuel (UL94) for general aviation users and supports Atlantic Aviation’s program to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for business jets. In 2024, two solar canopy installations covering nearly 133,000 square feet on LGB’s parking structures were installed, bringing down Airport-controlled and purchased electricity usage by 10% compared to the year prior.

“Long Beach Airport is determined not just to meet our sustainability targets, but to surpass them—reducing emissions while building resiliency for the future,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “We’re ensuring that Long Beach Airport remains a responsible neighbor and environmental leader to safeguard a healthier tomorrow.”

Level 2 ACA requires LGB to develop and continually update Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions inventories, implement its carbon management plan and reduce its carbon footprint each year. Ultimately, LGB plans to achieve Level 3+, or carbon neutrality for all airport emissions.

Visit lgb.org/green for more information about LGB’s sustainability initiatives.