Sustainability at SJC
As Silicon Valley’s airport, SJC advances a sustainability approach that integrates environmental responsibility, operational resilience and community priorities. Guided by the Airport’s Sustainability management Plan and aligned with Climate Smart San José, this work reflects a recognition that sustainability is embedded in how the Airport plans, builds, operates and maintains its facilities.
Asset Preservation and Resilient Infrastructure
One key focus has been asset preservation and the long-term reliability of critical systems. Through efforts such as facility condition assessments of buildings, along with the Airport Electrical Utility Infrastructure and Capacity Report, SJC is taking a disciplined data-driven approach to understanding infrastructure needs.
These assessments inform prioritization of capital investments in aging assets, helping ensure the Airport remains safe, efficient and capable of meeting future demand. This work also supports broader sustainability outcomes by improving system performance, reducing unplanned maintenance and extending asset life cycles.
Energy Efficiency and Green Building
SJC continues to integrate energy-efficient design, low-carbon materials and water-saving technologies into new construction and major renovations. Airport-wide LED lighting upgrades reduce energy use and maintenance requirements, while advanced building management systems optimize HVAC and lighting in real time. All new development is designed to achieve at least LEED Silver certification, with a goal of LEED Gold when feasible. Learn more.
Clean Energy and Emissions Reduction
SJC supports the City’s decarbonization goals by operating on 100% carbon-free electricity through San José Clean Energy. In addition, a 3.4-acre solar photovoltaic system generates approximately 1.1 MW of onsite renewable energy, contributing to reduced reliance on grid electricity.
The Airport is also modernizing infrastructure, expanding electric vehicle and equipment charging and improving operational efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts align with broader City targets and support progress toward higher levels of Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Air and Water Quality
SJC implements best practices in water conservation, stormwater management and pollution prevention to protect the Guadalupe River watershed. These efforts are integrated into both terminal and airfield operations and align with City environmental policies.
The Airport also supports lower-emission transportation through regional transit access, bicycle connectivity via the Guadalupe River Trail and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, contributing to improved air quality and reduced transportation-related emissions. Learn more.
Resource and Waste Management
SJC reduces waste through a mixed-waste processing program and a range of source-reduction initiatives. The Airport also supports surplus edible food recovery, enabling food and beverage tenants to donate nearly 15,000 pounds of edible food between 2020 and 2024 to help address local food insecurity. In addition, plastic-free hydration options across the terminals reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Learn more.
Aviation Sustainability
SJC supports state and national efforts to accelerate Sustainable Aviation adoption across the aviation sector. SJC supports state and national efforts to accelerate sustainable aviation adoption across the aviation sector. The Airport has achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 2 certification through Airports Council International, demonstrating year-over-year reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Looking Ahead
SJC is advancing toward ACA Level 3 by 2026 and Level 4 by 2029, while planning major power-delivery upgrades and resilience improvements to support future Capital Improvement Program and Master Plan projects. These efforts position SJC to respond to climate change, contribute to the City’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal and continue transforming how Silicon Valley travels.
To help share this work with the community, SJC presents Perry, our sustainability baby-chick ambassador. Perry highlights the everyday actions – energy conservation, clean travel choices, responsible water use and waste reduction – that mirror the initiatives across our operations. Through Perry, we aim to make sustainability approachable for travelers and employees with reflecting the Airport’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier future for San José. Meet the SJC Baby Chicks, Ernie + Friends.
Carbon Reduction Statement (PDF)
Biennial Sustainability Report (FY 17-19) (PDF)
Biennial Sustainability Report (FY 19-21) (PDF)
Biennial Sustainability Report (FY 21-23) (PDF)
