Blog

The San Diego International Airport (SAN) Arts Program includes performing arts, public art, and temporary exhibition components which are aimed at engaging travelers and creating an ambiance unique to the culture of San Diego. The Arts Program is pleased to announce the 2020 Fall Performing Arts Resident Artist, Margaret Noble and her featured work [Sky][Muse], as well as the debut of a new piece of work in the Admiral Boland Way mural series, Plein Air Port by Aaron Glasson.

Running September 9 through 13, 2020, San Diego Design Week (SDDW) celebrates interdisciplinary design in San Diego through talks, studio tours, workshops, and self-guided tours. The SAN Arts Program will be participating in SDDW by showcasing its diverse programming in performing arts, exhibitions and public art.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed a case study on the San Diego International Airport’s efforts to pursue “Zero Waste,” which is defined as 90 percent or more of waste being diverted from landfills through recycling, reuse, composting, and other means. 

Since 1970, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has provided a protected habitat for the California Least Tern, a migrating seabird who, as a full-grown adult, only weighs 1.6 ounces. To the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and the airport’s many contractors and tenants, as well as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Port of San Diego, and the U.S. Navy, these small birds are a big deal due to the fact that they are a federally listed endangered seabird species.

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) is committed to building an enduring and resilient enterprise by effectively managing its financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities. The Airport Authority recognizes the complex link between energy performance and the security of the airport enterprise and are keenly aware that this interdependence warrants a bold vision and strategy to ensure sustainability into the future.

For the last 16 years, the Quieter Home Program (QHP) has sound attenuated more than 4,300 homes in the most impacted areas around our airport; hundreds of staff, consultants, and contractors have interacted with thousands of homeowners in these neighborhoods…primarily in person. So how does a program that normally thrives on daily one-on-one personal interaction survive a pandemic and continue moving forward? Virtually, of course.

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) awarded San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) with an Environmental Achievement Award in the area of outreach, education, and communication for the organization’s Airport Development Plan (ADP) outreach efforts.

The world looks a lot different than it did just a few months ago. Our communities, businesses, and shops have changed. The way we visit restaurants, purchase groceries, and go from place to place would be unrecognizable to our 6-months-ago selves. Even our vocabularies have changed. Never did we imagine finding so much comfort in the words “Plexiglas sneeze guards” or “social distancing markers.” 

At San Diego International Airport, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of local and nationally recognized concessions shops. The shops allow for travelers to grab a quick bite to eat, purchase that travel necessity that they accidentally left at home, purchase a souvenir for a loved one back home, or relax in between flights.

Anytime we are able to add new service from SAN to destinations worldwide we are excited. New routes mean new ways for passengers to reach their desired destination…often easier, faster, and cheaper than they were able to before the routes were offered.

San Diego International Airport’s 2019 greenhouse gas emissions inventory is complete! The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority conducts annual greenhouse gas emissions inventories to track, reduce, and mitigate the SAN’s environmental footprint. A greenhouse gas emissions inventory (GHG inventory) is a tool that allows us to measure our emissions, develop strategies and policies to reduce those emissions, and encourage our business partners to do the same. An inventory also allows us to invest in projects that balance out those emissions and become carbon neutral.

Each year, San Diego International Airport (SAN) partners with I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) to support their education and cleanup efforts in the region. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Creek to Bay cleanup event had to change formats. We went from hosting a cleanup site near the airport in a large group, to conducting individual household cleanups all across the County.

During these unprecedented times, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has continued to adjust to the impacts of COVID-19. The airport has remained open as a critical piece of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, helping to move much-needed supplies and cargo, and assisting those with essential travel needs.

Envisioning the future at SAN Sustainability is a hallmark of operations at San Diego International Airport (SAN). In everything that we do, we are committed to sustainable practices and hold ourselves up to the highest industry standards. So it’s no surprise that with design continuing on a critical infrastructure project, the Airside Improvements Project, that we chose to work with the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) and apply their Envision rating system to the project.

That’s right! Bike Month showcases the many benefits of bicycling and encourages people to give it a try. Biking is a fun and healthy transportation choice and there are lots of cool places to explore around our Airport by bike.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) will join more than 20 airports from across North America for the JetStream Music Festival, an online celebration of local music. Hosted by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, the free, multi-hour livestream will take place at 3 p.m. PST on May 6 on San Diego International Airport’s Facebook Live.

During these uncertain times, we are certain that our commitment to be a sustainable organization is as important as ever. While many Earth Day programs have been cancelled due to COVID-19, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority still plans to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22^nd and you can too!

Have you ever wondered about all of the equipment required to service planes at SAN? Ground support equipment, or GSE, is essential to our operations. While GSE helps passengers get to and from their destination, it also contributes to our overall environmental impact.

We now have definitive proof that good feelings generate more good feelings! A couple of months ago, SAN received a letter from a local third grader, Evan, who told us how much he loves airplanes and our airport. In this savvy traveler’s words, “I love to go in planes because the planes are so cool inside and it looks so beautiful. I love the Airport.”

On Friday, January 17 the Jackie Robinson YMCA hosted the 35^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast. The breakfast serves as a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words and selfless actions by awarding an individual that continues to embody Dr. King’s spirit and humanitarian ideals. This year, the 2020 Human Dignity Award was presented to Dee Sanford, an accomplished business woman who served on the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA board for more than 30 years.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has teamed up with Ballast Point Brewery and Water Works Inc. to brew a beer we’re calling “SAN Test Pilot.”

Thank you for bringing good feelings to all.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has been nominated for USA Today’s 2020 “10 Best Readers’ Choice” Travel Award. GO us! SAN was selected by an expert panel as a contender for “Best Large Airport.” Our excellent amenities, natural light, relaxed vibe, central location, and impeccable record for on-time flights landed us in the top 10.

In an ongoing effort to identify current and future noise impacts in neighborhoods near San Diego International Airport, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is seeking FAA review of maps that illustrate noise exposure levels, known as “noise contours.”

New Sustainability Report reinforces SAN's commitment to a resilient future.

In July 2019, SAN became the first airport to have one of its concessions become "Ocean Friendly certified". Congratulations to our partner, Einstein Bros., located in Terminal 2 West, for this wonderful accomplishment!

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is now a carbon neutral airport! On September 18^th SAN became the second airport in North America, and the first airport in California, to receive carbon neutral accreditation from the global agency that establishes carbon standards for airports worldwide.

Ah, warm weather in San Diego! The sun is shining, the temperatures are up, and our AC is ON! Have you ever noticed when you run your AC that the machine produces water? That is condensate! Condensate is the result of water vapor in the air turning into liquid when it encounters the cold coils on your air conditioner.

At SAN, smoking is permitted only inside of our designated areas. Section 7.03 of the Airport Authority Code and Section 2.2 of the Rules and Regulations require that passengers and employees smoke only in designated areas as they are located at least 25 feet from any facility entrance and have urns to help prevent cigarette butt pollution.

The Airport Arts Program's 2019 temporary exhibition, Forces of Nature, is now on full display, featuring artwork and collections that highlight San Diego's unique natural landscape.

In May, the Airport Authority opened 20 new electric vehicle parking spaces in our employee lot. The new chargers were installed through SDG&E's Power Your Drive program to bring electric vehicle charging to our 9,400 employees and to help encourage the switch to electric vehicles in the San Diego region. The Airport Authority is proud to host these ChargePoint Level 2 charging stations and looking forward to our continued partnership with SDG&E that will operate and maintain the charging stations over the next ten years.

San Diego's Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance took effect on February 23^rd, 2019 in an effort to help San Diego reach its Zero Waste goals and to prevent pollution. The Airport Authority responded by working with our concessions to ensure they understood the new regulation and to assist in any necessary actions. We are proud to say that our concessions now:

Here at San Diego International we believe in the 5 Rs of Zero Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot, and Rethink. We look for creative ways to manage the waste that comes with running a large facility. One of the ways we reduce the amount of material we send to the landfill is through composting (the "Rot" of the 5 Rs)!

San Diego is known as America's finest city. There's a lot that we think, makes our region great. We're one of the nation's top tourist destinations, we make world class products, we lead the nation in small farms, and we're a hub for coffee and beer!

At SAN, we believe in the triple bottom line of sustainability—measuring our impact with social, environmental, and economic yardsticks. We are committed to building an enduring and resilient enterprise by effectively managing our social, environmental, and financial risks, obligations, and opportunities.

Looking for a unique and impactful gift this holiday season? Check out carbon offsets!

Have you had a chance to park at SAN's new Terminal 2 Parking Plaza yet? It opened in May 2018—ahead of schedule and under budget, and offers convenient, close-in parking for our customers!

At SAN, our main goal is to ensure passengers get from Point A to Point B as quickly, comfortably and efficiently as possible. Did you know that at any given time there are close to 9,000 employees working at the airport to achieve that goal? Lots of people and busy operations mean we can produce large amounts of waste, especially things like broken electronics, burned-out light bulbs, or old batteries.

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority strives to be a good neighbor to surrounding communities. One way we choose to give back is by hosting two clean-ups a year at Spanish Landing Park — just across the street from us!

Time flies here at SAN! This summer marks the completion of the first year of the SAN Green Concessions Program—a voluntary awards and recognition program designed to help our food and beverage and retail shops implement sustainable business practices.

San Diego is known for its great outdoors and sunny weather. From beaches and parks to deserts and mountains, our region has plenty of outdoor spaces to offer if you want to GO Outside!

San Diego International Airport (SAN) demonstrated a deep commitment to financial, social, and environmental responsibility last year. Our efforts are highlighted in our annual Sustainability Report ""Aviation Matters: A Sustainability Report for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority."" The report hit the street in June and highlights our past year's activities and accomplishments in our five strategic areas of focus: Community, Customer, Employee, Financial, and Operational.

The Quieter Home program, the Airport Authority's residential sound insulation program, has surpassed a major milestone, having made improvements to more than 3,500 homes since the program began in 2001.

Traveling with your furry friend can be fun and comforting! Pets make great travel buddies, but what do you do when they have to GO?

Pardon our dust while we improve your airport! The Airport Authority is currently involved in two large capital improvement projects expected to improve your experience at SAN. By summer, you'll be able to park in the new Terminal 2 Parking Plaza and travel in-style through our new international arrivals facility. What does this new infrastructure have in common? For one, both are green buildings!

It's a new year and the time is right to make some small changes to live a greener, more sustainable life! Here at the airport, we take sustainability seriously. Below are some tips we have for our community on how to GO Green!

Did you know that San Diego International Airport is one of the greenest airports in the world? We take sustainability seriously by committing ourselves to waste reduction and recovery, biodiversity, enhanced air quality and reduced emissions, and many more environmental initiatives. Ever wonder how we walk the walk?

Eat, drink, save and be merry! Join SAN as we celebrate Oktoberfest in terminals--GOing On now until October 3^rd! Check out the Airport's promotions, food and drink specials, and beer garden!

In July, the airport launched its latest Sustainability Report on sustain.san.org, sharing financial, social, and environmental activities and accomplishments from 2016. Dedicated to being a good community partner, the airport shows its commitment through volunteer work, the creation of opportunities for small and local businesses, continuing to grow air service, and even finding sustainable ways for travelers to access the airport.

Imagine as a passenger you stroll through the terminals looking for an environmentally-friendly business to eat or shop at. You spot a green concession sign, walk into a storefront, and find efficient appliances, healthier products, and ease of mind knowing you made a greener choice that day. Now that can be reality while traveling through SAN!