LOS ANGELES — Late last week, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) approved two emissions reduction initiatives that solidify Van Nuys Airport‘s (VNY) position as a leader in general aviation airport sustainability. These initiatives — the first for any general aviation airport in the United States — are designed to significantly decrease emissions from ground service equipment (GSE) at VNY to zero-emission by 2030.
The Zero-Emission GSE Policy (ZE Policy) mandates the transition of all GSE vehicles at VNY to ZE models, while the Zero-Emission GSE Incentive Program (ZE Incentive Program) will offer $250,000 in reimbursement grants to spur adoption of ZE GSE models at the airport.
“Van Nuys Airport is setting the standard as a leader in sustainability, and ensuring that it continues to be a good airport operator and neighbor to the surrounding community,” said Karim Webb, President, BOAC. “Sustainability plays a critical role in how Los Angeles World Airports finances, builds, operates, and maintains its airports, and today’s new zero-emission policy and incentive program reflect our commitment to building a better, cleaner future.”
Together, these new initiatives are expected to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), a major contributor to ground-level smog and global warming, by more than 2.29 tons. Additionally, they will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 465 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by 2030, equivalent to the CO2e of burning more than 52,000 gallons of gasoline.
These new initiatives follow similar proven programs adopted at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which have led to substantial improvements in air quality and advanced LAWA’s bold sustainability goal of carbon neutrality from airport operations by 2045.
“Ground support equipment is one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions at any airport, and our actions today will accelerate our progress toward cleaner air, more sustainable operations, and carbon neutrality from airport operations,” said Jacob Haik, Van Nuys Airport Manager, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). “Our zero-emission policy and incentive program provide a framework for airports to decarbonize one of the highest-emitting parts of an airport‘s operations, with Van Nuys Airport leading by example.”
Under the ZE Policy, all GSE vehicles at VNY must be replaced by ZE alternatives by January 1, 2030, except for types for which ZE alternatives are either not commercially available or operationally feasible. The policy was drafted with feedback from community members, airport tenants, the VNY Citizens Advisory Council and other stakeholders, with LAWA incorporating it into the policy’s final draft.
The ZE Incentive Program will accelerate the adoption of ZE GSE by providing $250,000 in reimbursement grants for VNY GSE operations. LAWA will offer rebates to VNY GSE operators that have purchased ZE GSE vehicles to replace older, internal combustion models. Applications will prioritize the replacement of the airport‘s highest-emitting GSE models to ensure the greatest air quality benefit, with reimbursements provided to operators upon completion of all eligibility requirements. As part of the program, older GSE vehicles must either be scrapped or relocated out of California.
There are currently more than 200 motorized GSE vehicles at VNY, which include aircraft tractors, baggage/cargo tractors, ground power units, passenger stand/stair units and other equipment used to carry out routine aircraft operations. Officials anticipate the program will help with the replacement of up to 20 conventionally fueled GSE vehicles at VNY.
Incentive amounts range from $10,000 to $65,000, depending on the type of equipment being replaced. The program is funded by an agreement between the LAWA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and purchasing subsidies that prioritize the removal of older GSE vehicles are awarded to tenants to accelerate deployment of zero-emission and electric models.
More information about LAWA’s sustainability policies and goals can be found at lawa.org/lawa-