Greener Journeys Take Off Here
As the gateway to the Central Coast, SLO County Airport (SBP) is committed to reducing its environmental impact while delivering an easy, welcoming travel experience. From emissions reduction to sustainable operations, SBP is taking measurable steps to protect what makes our region so special.
Earth Month at SLO County Airport
Throughout April, we’re highlighting how sustainability is shaping daily operations at SBP through hands-on activities, community partnerships, and passenger education.
April 1
Event Title: Clothing Donation Drive
Event Description: Give your gently used clothing a second life by participating in our Earth Month donation drive supporting Lumina Alliance and helping keep textiles out of the landfill.
Location: Parking Lot 4 (PL4)
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
April 8
Event Title: Runway 7-25 Trash Pickup (Badge Holders)
Event Description: Airport badge holders are invited to help protect the airfield environment by participating in a runway FOD walk and cleanup.
Location: Runway 7-25 (Strausbaugh Gate entry)
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
April 8
Event Title: “Bin It Right” Recycling Game
Event Description: Test your recycling knowledge with an interactive trivia game and learn how everyday waste decisions make a difference.
Location: Terminal Hold Room
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
April 15
Event Title: Everyday Choices for a Sustainable Journey
Event Description: Learn how small travel choices like refilling water bottles and supporting local food can make travel more sustainable.
Location: Terminal Hold Room
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
April 22
Event Title: Solar Ribbon Cutting & Sustainability Showcase
Event Description: Celebrate the airport’s solar project and explore how the Sustainability & Decarbonization Plan is shaping airport operations.
Location: Outdoor Terminal Event Area
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
April 22
Event Title: Solar Helicopter Activity
Event Description: Build solar-powered helicopters and learn about renewable energy through a hands-on activity.
Location: Terminal Hold Room
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
SBP is committed to building a more sustainable airport. Today and for the future.
Level 2 Carbon Accreditation
We’re proud to be recognized for reducing our carbon footprint through real, measurable action.
Energy-efficient terminal
Designed to LEED Gold Standards, SBP is designed with energy savings in mind.
Local-first sustainability
We collaborate with regional partners to reduce waste and champion local environmental efforts.
Solar Carport System – Now Live
A 940 kW solar photovoltaic canopy system was recently constructed in Parking Lot 4. This large-scale installation not only generates clean, renewable energy to offset all of the airport’s power usage, but it also provides shaded parking for travelers and contributes meaningfully to SBP’s long-term decarbonization goals.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Carbon & Transportation
Project Spotlight:
Infrastructure & Operations Optimization Plan
SBP’s formal Sustainability & Decarbonization Plan outlines actionable steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across airport operations. Spanning from January 2025 to December 2025, this plan serves as our roadmap for meeting both short- and long-term environmental goals, in alignment with state and federal climate frameworks.
Lowering Emissions Through Smarter Options
Electric Fleet Vehicles
Our operations fleet now includes electric Ford Lightnings and electric carts, reducing emissions while keeping things moving behind the scenes.
EV Charging Stations
Travelers and staff can take advantage of on-site EV charging stations, making it easier for travelers to choose cleaner transportation and helping reduce pollution in our region.
Rideshare Program
SBP supports and promotes the use of ridesharing and alternative transportation services. We even have a bus stop right in front of the terminal!
Energy & Water
Project Spotlight:
Solar Carport System – Now Live!
A new 940 kW solar canopy has been installed in Parking Lot 4. The system produces renewable energy to power airport operations while also providing shaded parking for travelers and supporting SBP’s long-term sustainability goals.
Efficient by Design, Resilient by Necessity
Partnership With Drop Water
SBP has partnered with local company Drop Water to reduce single-use plastics in compostable, plastic-free bottles, and providing free refills for reusable bottles.
Exterior, LED parking lot lights
Brighter lots, greener energy. Our new LED lights enhance visibility while reducing energy use across exterior parking areas.
Drought Tolerant Landscaping
We partner with SLO Botanical Garden to showcase landscaping that is not only beautiful but uses less water.
Waste & Recycling
Project Spotlight:
Recycled Plastic Permeable Parking Lot
We installed TrueGrid pavers when developing a new parking lot. This environmentally friendly paving alternative to concrete and asphalt uses recycled plastic pavers that allow for rain water to percolate into the earth below. Using this 100% recycled plastic product saved the equivalent of 140,000 pounds of plastic from entering a landfill.
Reducing Waste Through Purposeful Practices
New Waste Bins Across the Terminal
We’re upgrading our terminal waste infrastructure with clearly labeled, modern bins to encourage proper disposal and improve waste separation. This step supports our broader efforts to divert materials away from landfills.
Disposable Glove Recycling
Through a partnership with TerraCycle, SBP has implemented a zero-waste box program to recycle disposable gloves used in daily operations—turning waste into reusable materials rather than landfill content.
Toilet Paper Donation Program
Unused rolls of toilet paper are collected and donated to the 5Cities Homeless Coalition, reducing unnecessary waste while supporting the needs of our local community.
Lost and Found Donations
After holding a lost item for four months, we donate it to Goodwill Central Coast. This action has given hundreds of items a chance at reuse, rather than sending them to a landfill.
Air Badge
We’ve automated our security badging process to AirBadge, allowing for a paperless security process that saves 1000’s of sheets of paper every year.
Bike Friendly
To encourage low-impact commuting, SBP currently provides bike racks for eco-conscious travelers, with plans to install secure bike lockers in the near future to offer even greater protection and convenience.
For sustainability inquiries, contact us at [email protected]