In recognition of ongoing efforts to expand its sustainability footprint, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) became the first airport in the world to receive LEED for Communities Certification as determined by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Additionally, ATL achieved a Platinum rating, the highest possible designation.
 
“We work constantly to ensure Hartsfield-Jackson is safe, efficient, and sustainable in all aspects of the organization,” ATL General Manager John Selden said recently. “This award manifests our commitment to the global community we serve daily.”
 
ATL’s efforts complement the City of Atlanta’s success in achieving LEED certification citywide. Airport officials, recognizing a need to holistically capture sustainability metrics important to ATL, worked with the U.S. Green Building Council to pilot the LEED for Communities certification for airports.
 
LEED for Communities utilizes performance-based scoring platforms that measure sustainability efforts in the sectors of energy, water, waste, transportation, and human experience. ATL is the only airport among 14 cities and communities around the world to achieve a Platinum rating.
 
The LEED award, announced in September, will be highlighted at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo to be held in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center Nov. 19-22.