Phoenix Sky Harbor Receives 2025 Airports Going Green Award

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was selected by The Airports Going Green Awards℠ Judging Committee as a recipient of the 2025 Airports Going Green Award℠ for the PHX Green Business Partner Program. This award, in the Outstanding Sustainability Program category, represents the airport’s efforts in innovation and leadership in aviation sustainability. The voluntary program encourages, supports and recognizes a diverse group of airport business partners in their implementation of sustainable practices that reduce the airport’s environmental footprint. The program’s mission is to reach shared sustainability goals at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

From left: Eric Caplan, Tampa International Airport; Kaysey England, Sustainability Program Manager, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; Mailen Pankiewicz, Sustainability Superintendent, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; Aaron Frame, Chicago Department of Aviation; and Ryan Barton, Solid Waste Environmental Specialist, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The program, launched in 2024, partners with businesses, such as airlines, rental cars, restaurants, retailers, and others. Those who join are asked to consider following best practices that focus on sustainability outcomes and are then recognized at different levels with promotional materials to display at their locations and online. Visit the PHX Green Business Partner Program webpage for more information about the program.

To date, 60 business locations are part of the PHX Green Business Partner Program, with more growth expected. These efforts have resulted in diverting more than 200 tons of food waste from the landfill, nearly $250,000 in utility rebates, increased business engagement, and an overall environmental footprint reduction at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.