Clean Energy Partnership To Reduce Austin-Bergstrom Airport’s Carbon Footprint By 20 Percent Using Natural Gas

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) began its transition to renewable natural gas (RNG) on January 1, 2020, with the help of Clean Energy, the leading provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America and a longtime partner with AUS.

This partnership calls for Clean Energy to provide AUS with its Redeem™ brand of renewable natural gas (RNG), the first commercially available vehicle fuel made entirely from 100% organic waste.
 
The AUS shuttle bus fleet has historically utilized alternative fuels. To ensure continued operation, half of the fleet utilizes propane, and the other half is compressed natural gas (CNG).

As of January 1, AUS started fueling half of its shuttle bus fleet with RNG, an ultra-low carbon fuel that is cleaner than traditional compressed natural gas (CNG). This will reduce the AUS carbon footprint by approximately 20% at no extra cost to the airport.

“We’re very excited to partner with our provider Clean Energy to switch over to RNG. This will have a significant impact on our carbon footprint and is a major step toward achieving our sustainability goals,” said B.J. Carpenter, sustainability program coordinator with AUS.
 
Natural gas-powered vehicles have been playing an active role at U.S. airports for over two decades, with more than 40 airports across the country running their ground transportation fleets on CNG.

The benefits of fueling airport transportation vehicles with natural gas are clear: lower fuel costs compared to diesel, improved public health and air quality, reduced environmental impact from greenhouse gas and increased U.S. energy independence.
 
“Switching to vehicles fueled with RNG supports AUS’ commitment to sustainable and responsible transportation and we’re proud to be part of this initiative,” said Chad Lindholm, vice president, Clean Energy. “This is a prime example of an airport taking action to lessen the environmental impact of their shuttle fleet.”

Last year, AUS attained level 2 Carbon Accreditation in the Airports Council International’s program. This multi-step international program independently assesses and recognizes airport efforts to manage and reduce CO2 emissions. Austin-Bergstrom’s goal is to reach carbon neutrality this year.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is owned and operated by the City of Austin, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the second-fastest-growing airport in the United States. Austin-Bergstrom is also an economic engine in Central Texas, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region.

Its reflection of local food, music, art, and customer service has earned Austin-Bergstrom recognition—including Runner-Up for the Wall Street Journal’s Best U.S. Airport in 2019.