Sustainability by Design - Dallas Fort Worth Airport Releases 2021 ESG Report

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has released its 2021 environmental, social and governance report, themed “Sustainability By Design.”

Following a second year marked by a global pandemic and its impacts of extraordinary uncertainty and difficulties for the world and the aviation industry, DFW emerged as one of the busiest airports in the world.  As travel rebounded, the resiliency and adaptability of DFW employees and partners were essential. And to support the Airport’s business through recovery, while preparing for the future, DFW rolled out a new strategic plan, building on its past successes and prioritizing important initiatives looking forward.

All the while, DFW’s commitment to sustainable environmental, social and governance practices remains steadfast as it looks for ways to deliver a world-class airport with outstanding facilities, innovative technology and improved infrastructure to support airport operations. Sustainability has proven to be good for business as DFW continues to build on its successful track record of reducing emissions, lowering operating costs, driving economic value and reducing social inequities.

ENVIRONMENTAL

DFW continues on its path to reach its ambitious and newly set goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions with no offset credits by 2030, twenty years ahead of goals set by the Paris Agreement. DFW focused on key initiatives and investments to remain a leader in sustainability.  Already the largest carbon-neutral airport in North America and the first in the world to achieve Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International, DFW also prioritized working with its partners and other airports to help them achieve their goals.

We have found that the steps we have taken along our sustainability journey are not just good for our people and our planet but also good for our business.

SOCIAL

As an international airport, DFW’s policies and practices reflect the global communities we serve.  In DFW’s new strategic plan, a conscious effort was made to update the mission to better reflect Airport customers, employees and communities.  With diversity, equity and inclusion long-time priorities at DFW, a strategic investment was made in 2021 to support a culture of learning and listening.  The importance of allyship was prioritized, providing opportunities for employees to promote equity in the workplace through supportive personal relationships and visible acts of advocacy for others in underrepresented groups.  And DFW’s support continued to extend to the community, as well. The Airport partnered with local organizations to support programs to preserve local small business capacity, equip diverse businesses to comply with new health protocols and renew confidence in traveling and tourism through DFW.

GOVERNANCE

DFW’s long-term ESG strategy is developed by executive staff and validated by the Board of Directors.  The Board reviews the strategy and staff’s assessment of ESG risks and opportunities and delegates authority for ESG topics through the official board action process and in accordance with DFW’s Code of Rules and Regulations.  Emerging from the pandemic, while maintaining focus and leadership in sustainability, has required DFW to continue to govern the business effectively and remain accountable to stakeholders.  At the same time, DFW must innovate and deploy new solutions for long-term success for generations to come.

The fiscal year 2021 ESG Report provides transparent information and disclosures about DFW’s performance and impact on environmental, social and governance issues. Year to year, ESG issues are integral to every aspect of DFW’s business. This year’s ESG report shines a spotlight on DFW’s commitment to and progress toward sustainable business practices reflected in the following goals and accomplishments:

• Commitment to Net Zero Carbon by 2030
• 37% of all DFW expenditures were with disadvantaged, small, minority or women-owned business enterprises
• Airport Concessions’ Disadvantaged Business Enterprises concessionaires at DFW received 42% of all concessions revenue
• GBAC Star Accreditation
• North American Customer Centricity Award Recipient
• Best Place For Working Parents Resources Innovator Award
• Top 50 Companies For Latinas To Work – LATINA Style, Inc.
• Named To The 2021 Texan by Nature 20 (TxN20)

This year’s report covers the fiscal year 2021: October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021.  Unless otherwise noted, data in the report reflects this timeframe.

To see this year’s full report, please go here.