Port of Oakland commits to aggressive carbon reduction plan at airport

Port takes new steps to cut emissions at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport

Oakland, Calif. – August 21, 2023: As part of the Port of Oakland’s road to zero emissions, the Port is developing an aggressive program to reduce carbon emissions at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK). OAK is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland.

Airport Carbon Accreditation is an international program that requires its airport members to commit to a complete review of greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. Member airports must also pledge to decrease GHG emissions through the implementation of a variety of emissions reduction measures at their facilities.

“Joining this accreditation program demonstrates that the Port of Oakland is committed to reducing emissions at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport while it continues to improve its operations,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “We have already cut emissions with electric plugins for airplanes at the gates and the use of battery electric equipment at the airport. Now we are identifying opportunities to decrease emissions even further and developing a plan to implement them.”

San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is pursuing a Level 2 certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program to reduce GHG emissions caused by the combustion of fuels as well as emissions caused by generating electricity from sources that are controlled or owned by the Port of Oakland. There are six levels of accreditation.

The Port of Oakland is proposing a non-binding target of a 50% reduction of GHG emissions, also known as carbon emissions, by 2030. The goal is to reach zero emissions operations at OAK by 2040.

The requirements for Level Two certification are:

  • Developing GHG Emission Inventories for 2021 and 2022;
  • Reducing carbon emissions year over year;
  • Updating OAK’s Carbon Reduction Statement with a GHG Reduction Target; and
  • Developing a Carbon Management Plan with initiatives identified to achieve emissions reductions.

Mr. Wan added, “The Port of Oakland is continuing to incorporate climate resiliency into its planning efforts for development and operations at its facilities. Cutting harmful emissions is a major part of that plan.”

The United States and Canada have committed to achieving net zero emissions at airports by 2050. The Airport Carbon Accreditation program has 510 airports participating worldwide.

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About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,000 jobs in the region. The Port oversees San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly-owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! 

About San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport

Oakland International is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all of the region’s business, entertainment and tourism venues. The vision of San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.

Updates about current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping and dining and more, can be found at www.oaklandairport.com.