Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA)
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2024)
Reporting Period: 2024
Environmental Metrics
Renewable Energy Share:40%
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate
- Circularity
- Chesapeake Bay
- Operational Costs
- Revenue Generation
- Economic Development
- Resilience
- Community Involvement
- DEI
- Safety Assurance
- Health & Well-Being
- Experience & Engagement
Environmental Achievements
- Decarbonizing the power supply by purchasing 40% of power needs from hydro, solar, and wind power sources
- Installing a solar array on the parking garage
- Installing energy-efficient lighting and mechanical upgrades
- Providing electric vehicle charging stations
- Replacing fossil fuel-burning buses with electric buses
- Increasing waste diversion and reducing landfill waste; currently recycles cardboard, construction and debris waste, plastics, metals, yard waste, food scraps, and electronics
- Implementing a Green Concessions Tenant Directive to phase out single-use plastics and opt for compostable packaging
- Collecting used cooking oil to be made into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Collecting oyster shells and reusing them to grow baby oysters to aid in Chesapeake Bay restoration
- Designing and maintaining stormwater treatment features, street sweeping, and stream restoration
- Finalizing a Forest Conservation Easement encompassing over 122 acres, including 84 acres of Wetlands of Special State Concern
- Implementing water-efficient fixtures in public restrooms providing a 20% water savings
Social Achievements
- Meaningful involvement with community groups through meetings and events
- Hosting business networking events, honoring military service members, and providing advertising space for regional non-profits
- Showcasing the works of local artists in galleries
- Offering opportunities for young people to learn about aviation and engage in STEM events
- Annual participation in the Maryland Charity Campaign
- Holiday donation of toys, clothing, and gift cards to families in need
- Hosting opportunities to learn about aviation’s past and future through the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum and biennial Fleet Week Open House
- Managing the Community Enhancement Grant Program
- Commitment to transparent and fair community engagement during project planning
- Implementing the Minority/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (M/DBE) Program
- Hosting SynergyBWI, a business networking event for small and minority businesses
- Offering DEI training to new employees and managers
- Providing amenities to improve accessibility for those experiencing disabilities and language barriers
Governance Achievements
- Expansion of the existing EMS to require a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship
- Creation of a Sustainability Steering Committee (SSC) to oversee the development of the Sustainability Plan and formal program
- Signing of a Sustainability and Environmental Mission Statement
- Creation of a Sustainability Implementation Team (SIT) to assist the SSC in implementation
Climate Goals & Targets
Short-term Goals:
- Publish Decarbonization Roadmap by end of 2025
- Begin installing EV charging infrastructure for MAA fleet by end of 2025
- Pursue Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) by the end of FY 2026
- Expand solar generation at MAA
- Finalize Solid Waste Reduction and Management Plan by 2030
- Implement Green Concessions Tenant Directive by end of 2025
- Expand composting program
- Meet Maryland Department of the Environment’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration goal by 2030
- Establish a baseline for water use
- Increase opportunities to connect the public to the Chesapeake Bay
- Create and implement Forest Stewardship Plan
- Targeted expansion of BWI Marshall Common Use Terminal Equipment
- Reduce billing costs by switching to electronic billing
- Increase Non-Aeronautical Revenue to at least 55% of total revenues by 2029
- Annually increase MTN’s regional market share of total operations
- Annually increase BWI Marshall’s market share of passengers
- Increase alternative funding by continuing to apply for grants
- Increase air service to unserved domestic markets
- Increase air service to unserved international markets
- Implement Project Labor Agreements on contracts > $20 million
- Maintain a < 5% vacancy rate
- Update PEGS as required for climate resilience
- Analyze microgrid feasibility
- Update Disaster Recovery Plan
- Successfully launch asset management platform
- Continue to offer inspiring opportunities related to aviation, STEM, and art
- Continue to showcase Maryland artists
- Continue to partner with various external stakeholder groups
- Expand the number of minority business owners pursuing business opportunities
- Increase participation at SynergyBWI
- Ensure at least 80% of managers have completed the DEI modules in the Management Training Program within 2 years
- Develop Cyber Security Master Plan by 2025
- Develop and implement a formal FAA Safety Management System by April 2027
- Deploy beverage disposal stations at all TSA checkpoints by the end of 2025
- Update Airport Technology Master Plan by end of 2025
- Maintain GBAC STAR Accredited Facility Rating
- Implement the Sunflower Program
- Continue to offer employee health and wellness programs
- Promote/expand Customer Service Award Program
- Ensure at least 80% of MAA employees complete two formal professional development experiences within a 2-year timeframe
- Pursue paperless parking system
- Install new passenger information kiosks at BWI Marshall by 2026
Environmental Challenges
- Climate change impacts including sea level rise, water temperature increases, heavy rains, heat waves, drought, and adverse impacts on tourism
- Need to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change
- Meeting Maryland's 60% emissions reduction target by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045
- Reducing scope 3 emissions (mostly outside of MAA’s control)
- Meeting Maryland state law's 30% recycling mandate and voluntary 40% diversion goal
- Managing operational costs while maintaining safety and service quality
- Increasing airport revenue to offset expenditures
- Maintaining airport resilience against physical and technological threats
- Ensuring safety and security at airports
- Promoting employee health and well-being
- Enhancing passenger satisfaction
Mitigation Strategies
- Developing a Decarbonization Roadmap to eliminate scope 1 and 2 emissions and reduce scope 3 emissions
- Implementing various energy efficiency initiatives, staff management practices, asset management programs, revenue enhancement opportunities, and customer service analyses
- Increasing non-aeronautical revenue, implementing dynamic parking pricing, and transitioning MAA-owned parcels to commercial use
- Expanding air service and improving the customer experience
- Establishing Emergency Management Plans and Disaster Recovery Plans
- Launching an asset management platform
- Investing in new fuel supply storage
- Updating electricity substations to eliminate single points of failure
- Implementing a formal Safety Management System
- Developing a Cyber Security Master Plan
- Implementing an Employee Health & Wellness Program
- Improving airport amenities and customer service
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Minority/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (M/DBE) Program
- Project Labor Agreements for contracts greater than $20 million
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Floods
- Wind
- Snow
- Extreme heat
- Power outages
Opportunities
- Expansion of renewable energy sources
- Development of energy-efficient technologies