EARTH verifies first carbon-neutral airport in Central America

Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, was officially verified as neutral carbon by EARTH University. This marks the first time a Central American airport has achieved carbon-neutral status.

This distinction is very important to EARTH – who verified through its Carbon Neutral Unit – because it serves as an example of the collaborative efforts underway for the sustainable progress of Guanacaste Province.

“The verification process for carbon neutrality consists of five stages: inventorying greenhouse gas emissions, reducing said emissions, removing or compensating, verifying completion and delivering certification. It is a source of pride for EARTH University that an airport has successfully passed the five stages,” said Edmundo Castro, coordinator of EARTH’s Carbon Neutral Unit.

Thanks to the process, the airport was able to reduce 148 tons of carbon dioxide pollution between 2015 and 2016. To add to the successes, the airport also built an environmental logistics center to properly deal with the wastes generated in-flight and within the terminal. All 18 airlines currently operating out of Liberia – including American, Avianca, Delta, Southwest, United and more – have access to it, thereby reducing environmental contamination and health-related risks in the area.

“Carbon neutrality is a serious commitment. We are committed to contributing to a greener country that meets its environmental goals. Receiving the carbon neutral certification encourages us to promote actions that favor the environment in the long run and in which everyone participates: the passengers, the airport community and even our neighbors,” said César Jaramillo, general manager of CORIPORT, the company managing the airport’s administration.

This airport receives more than 1 million visitors per year and began operations in February 2012.