Air and Water Quality Initiatives
Air Quality and Emissions Reduction
Consolidated Rental Auto Center (ConRAC)
SJC’s ConRAC, located across Terminal B, consolidates rental car operations, significantly reduces shuttle bus traffic and contributes to cleaner air and a smoother traveler experience. The facility features modern environmental controls for fueling, maintenance and washing. It is partially powered by a 1MW solar array that provides approximately 20% of its electricity.
Electric Vehicles (EV) and Ground Support Equipment
SJC continues to expand electric mobility on the airfield and within customer facilities. Airport operations use EVs supported by Level 1 charging, reducing emission and fuel use. For travelers, six public EV chargers are available in Hourly Lot 2 and nine public EV chargers are available in Daily and Hourly Lot 5. Airlines are also transitioning Ground Support Equipment to electric units, supported by on-site charging infrastructure, to reduce airfield emissions and improving local air quality.
Roadway Efficiency
The terminal-area roadway network includes direct-access ramps, grade separations, a streamlined one-way loop and a dedicated cell phone waiting lot – all designed to reduce idling, ease congestion and improve air quality for Airport users and surrounding neighborhoods. Recent safety enhancements in the Administration Parking Lot area and ongoing Terminal A ground transportation island improvements further support safe access, improved traffic flow and overall operational efficiency.
Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Grant Program
SJC was the first airport in the western U.S. to be awarded a FAA VALE grant in 2009. This $4.6 million investment enabled installation of preconditioned air and ground power at all 28 gates, reducing aircraft engine idling and improving local air quality. The VALE grant program also helped fund electric service vehicles for airfield operations.
Public Transportation Access
SJC partners with the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to operate The Airport Flyer (VTA Route 60), providing staff and travelers direct connections to the San José Metro Light Rail, Santa Clara Caltrain Station and Milpitas Transit Center.
The Airport also supports low-carbon commuting by offering free VTA transit passes to Airport and tenant staff. Improvements to bicycle routes and secure bike storage further enhance multimodal access. Together, these efforts advance the mobility goals in the Envision San José 2040 General Plan and Climate Smart San José.
Alternative Fuels
Through its Alternative Fuels Program, SJC promotes cleaner technologies such as compressed natural gas (CNG). All non-electric terminal shuttles operate on CNG, Airport taxi regulations require a percentage of trips to use alternative-fuel or hybrid vehicles, reducing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions. SJC has also exclusively purchased alternate-fuel vehicles since 2000.
Water Conservation and Stormwater Protection
Water Conservation
SJC reduces potable water use by utilizing recycled water supplied by the South Bay Water Recycling’s extensive regional distribution system. Recycled water is used to irrigate the Airport’s drought tolerant and native plant landscaping as well as in lavatory flushing.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention
SJC maintains a comprehensive stormwater program to help protect water quality within the Guadalupe River watershed. The stormwater programs includes implementation source control and best management practices in daily operations, and implementation of green stormwater infrastructure through native vegetation and permeable surfaces that reduce runoff, support groundwater recharge and prevent pollutants from entering the Guadalupe River watershed.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Part 1
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Part 2
