STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING AIRPORT CONCESSION SUSTAINABILITY

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is the authoritative body overseeing airports in the New York metropolitan area: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark International Airport. To aid in the Port Authority’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, its Aviation Department retained the Capstone team to provide analysis and recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of airport concessions and vendors. The team compared the practices of peer airports to those of the Port Authority; provided insight on existing and upcoming sustainable legislation; explored relevant sustainability certifications and accreditations; and proposed a pilot program to be implemented at airport terminals. Using a combination of research, stakeholder interviews and surveys, and key document analysis, the team determined areas of improvement for the Port Authority’s overall sustainability practices. The team’s recommendations include enhancing airport bin practices, creating composting and recycling policies by engaging with concessionaires, and establishing local partnerships to donate leftover food.