Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announced on Apr. 13 that it will celebrate Earth Month throughout April, focusing on environmental awareness, sustainability, and resiliency. The airport plans a series of events and online communications to highlight its ongoing efforts in these areas.
The celebration aims to raise awareness about sustainable practices within the airport system and encourage community engagement. Phoenix Sky Harbor positions itself as a leader in airport sustainability, working toward building a future that is smart, sustainable, and community focused.
One event called SOAR with STEAM will take place on April 16. On this day, the airport and Southwest Airlines will welcome 180 students from Wilson Middle School and Estrella Middle School for activities centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). The focus will be on sustainability topics related to aviation as well as interactive activities with local businesses and the Phoenix Airport Museum.
Earth Day celebrations are scheduled for April 22 at various locations including the terminals and the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. Participants include the Aviation Department’s Sustainability team along with other city departments such as Water Services, Public Works, Public Transit Department, Office of Environmental Programs, and Valley Metro. The event will feature eco-friendly giveaways, mascots visits by Navigator Buddies, music performances, games for travelers and employees.
Last year Phoenix Sky Harbor received the Airports Going Green Award for its PHX Green Business Partner Program which currently includes 27 companies across 68 locations recognized at gold, silver or green levels. In addition to this program’s recognition for innovation in aviation sustainability leadership last year both Deer Valley Airport (DVT) and Goodyear Airport (GYR) achieved Level 3 status in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program while Phoenix Sky Harbor has maintained Level 4 certification since 2021.
The airport continues its focus on areas such as air quality improvement through LEED-certified facilities totaling more than one million square feet; emission reduction via an all-electric PHX Sky Train; water conservation through xeriscaping over eleven acres saving more than five million gallons annually; use of low-flow restroom fixtures; and providing access to over three hundred sixty recycling bins throughout public spaces.
