As DIA plans for future expansion, we are committed to ensuring that this growth incorporates sustainable principles. Additionally, we will continue to conduct our daily activities in a manner that not only complies with regulatory requirements but also exceeds these requirements.

The Department of Aviation is actively engaged in the environmental initiatives developed by Mayor John Hickenlooper. Greenprint Denver and the Climate Action Plan set aggressive goals for Denver in the areas of energy and water conservation, materials and waste management, emissions reductions, and water quality improvements. Through the implementation of our proactive environmental programs, DIA will continue to improve its overall environmental performance and preserve the quality of life for future generations.

DIA’s Environmental Management System (EMS) provides a systematic approach to managing the airport’s significant environmental impacts and to promoting and encouraging continual environmental performance improvement. In 2007, DIA’s ISO 14001-certified EMS underwent two semiannual audits for its conformance with the standard and was recommended for continued registration following these rigorous evaluations. DIA is still believed to be the only international airport in the United States with an ISO 14001-certified EMS that encompasses the entire facility. Additionally, DIA has maintained its position as a member of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track Program and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Environmental Leadership Program.

EMS Model

The annual objectives of DIA’s EMS are:

• Improve environmental compliance
• Reduce potential liabilities
• Enhance the airport’s positive image
• Implement a reliable Environmental Management System
• Evaluate pollution-prevention, energy-conservation, and waste-minimization opportunities

DIA continues to pursue these objectives systematically through its EMS “Plan, Do, Check, Feedback” process. DIA’s EMS is helping Denver achieve two of the city’s goals: Making Denver a Better Place to Live and to Work.

• Install a 2-megawatt solar facility
• Add an additional 160 recycling containers in the public areas
• Conduct a waste composition audit to determine waste stream components and areas for improvement
• Evaluate the feasibility of organics recycling
• Expand the recycling programs to the parking lots and garages
• Develop and implement a carpool program for employees
• Implement master energy study recommendations
• Target source reduction for hazardous waste generation
• Evaluate light-duty fleet mix and utilization
• Continue the public participation process for permit revisions, regulatory reviews, and environmental policies and procedures
• Continue to pursue aggressive pollution-prevention, energy-reduction, and waste-minimization targets for 2008, which are included in DIA’s EMS, EPA Performance Track commitments, and the Greenprint Denver Action Agenda
• Evaluate the possibility of a voluntary carbon offset program for DIA’s customers
• Implement recommendations from Peña Boulevard stormwater runoff studies project
• Prepare a sustainable design criteria document for new development
• Evaluate the potential for wind energy use
• Implement a reduced access fee program for hybrid taxis

• Aircraft deicing fluid
• Liquid fuels
• Hazardous waste
• Remediation/Investigation derived waste
• Wetlands
• Sediment and street-sweeping waste
• Exploration and production products
• Universal waste
• Municipal solid waste
• Criteria pollutants
• Particulates (PM10, PM 2.5, dust, opacity)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – ozone precursor
• Migratory birds
• Sewage
• Natural habitat
• Ozone-depleting compounds (ODCs)
• Pavement deicers
• Lubricants
• Solvents
• Wash fluids
• Threatened and endangered species
• Noise

• DIA purchased 55 new recycling containers for public areas to collect aluminum cans and plastic bottles for recycling.
• Paper conservation initiatives, such as “Paper Free Friday,” coupled with using technology strategies for defaulting network printers to double-sided printing, resulted in a 19-percent reduction in paper use in 2007 compared with 2006 consumption.
• More than 1,000 city employees and contractors received environmental training.
• B20 (biodiesel) was used in diesel vehicles.
• DIA hosted workshops for DIA employees and contractors to obtain CDOT Erosion Control Supervisor certifications.
• Colorado Airport Operators Association and DIA co-hosted an “Environmental Regulations for Airports” training session to educate airport managers, consultants, and contractors on the regulations that apply to the industry.
• Compliance inspections were conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (air and waste divisions) and the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District in 2007. DIA received no violations or advisories as a result of these inspections.
• Construction of a new state-of-the-art aircraft deicing pad was completed in time for the 2007-2008 winter season, increasing DIA’s area of effective capture and recycling of deicing fluids. This deice pad increased DIA’s aircraft deicing position by 20 percent, reducing aircraft delays and jet fuel usage.
• DIA’s on-site glycol recycling facility reclaimed 725,318 gallons of pure propylene glycol for reuse.
• Waterless urinals were installed at the Airport Office Building.
• In addition to the 1,013 tons of materials diverted from the municipal solid-waste stream, DIA also recycled the following items:
  • 1,733 large batteries
  • 26,047 pounds of electronics
  • 3,743 pounds of fluorescent bulbs
  • 280 tons of scrap metal
  • 900,000 tons of concrete
  • 15,000 tons of asphalt
  • 104,000 pounds of restaurant grease
  • 1,655 gallons of antifreeze
  • 1,238 tires
  • 1,655 gallons of used oil
  • 858 gallons of solvent