DFW AIRPORT, Texas – June 3, 2021 – Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport has released this year’s environmental, social and governance report, themed “Our Path Forward: Resiliency. Innovation. Leadership.” While COVID-19 dramatically impacted operations this past year, reducing passenger traffic by as much as 90 percent, DFW Airport proved resilient and its recovery has outpaced the industry.
In light of the many challenges faced in 2020, DFW’s commitment to sustainable environmental, social and governance practices remains steadfast. Sustainability has proven to be good for business, and the Airport has a successful track record of reducing emissions, lowering operating costs, driving economic value and reducing social inequities.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Already the largest carbon neutral airport in North America, DFW Airport further reduced its carbon footprint this past year and set a new goal to reach net zero carbon with no offset credits by 2030, twenty years ahead of goals set by the Paris Agreement. DFW was recognized for this commitment as the first airport in the world to achieve the Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International. In addition, DFW was the first airport to ever receive a United Nations Global Climate Action Award.
SOCIAL
In a year marked by headlines of social injustices against the Black community, DFW Airport renewed its commitment to a culture of inclusion by emphasizing equity as a focus and initiating an allyship program to help employees from different walks of life, support and understand one another. DFW Airport’s Diversity Leadership Council committed to listening more and making greater strides to understanding employees’ unique perspective from recent events, the current climate and systemic injustices. DFW’s support extended to the community as well, partnering with local organizations to support programs to preserve local small business capacity, equip diverse businesses to comply with new health protocols and to renew confidence in traveling and tourism through DFW.
GOVERNANCE
To ensure DFW’s resiliency in the face of COVID-19, the single biggest disruptor in aviation history, DFW Airport assembled the DFW Readiness Task Force. Under the leadership of the Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Linda Thompson Valdez and the Executive Vice President of Operations Chad Makovsky, the Task Force was charged with the business imperative of identifying and mitigating significant unexpected risks to the organization and its stakeholders as well as promoting business continuity. The Task Force focused on being proactive and intentional with cleanliness and sanitization, basing the strategy on science and evidence; and investing in DFW’s people – both employees and partners. See more at this link.
The fiscal year 2020 ESG Report provides transparent information and disclosures about DFW’s performance and impact on environmental, social and governance issues. Year to year, ESG issues are integral to every aspect of DFW’s business. This year’s ESG report shines a spotlight on DFW’s commitment to and progress toward sustainable business practices reflected in the following goals and accomplishments:
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Commitment to Net Zero Carbon by 2030
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United Nations Climate Change Award
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A Healthiest 100 Workplace – Healthiest Employer in Texas
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Airports Council International Best Large Airport in North America for Customer Satisfaction
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North American Customer Centricity Award Recipient
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Industry Leadership in COVID 19 Response
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Renewed Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The long-term ESG strategy is developed by executive staff and validated by the Board of Directors. The Board reviews the strategy and staff’s assessment of ESG risks and opportunities and delegates authority for ESG topics through the official board action process and in accordance with DFW’s Code of Rules and Regulations. Emerging from the pandemic, while maintaining focus and leadership in sustainability has required DFW to continue to govern the business effectively and remain accountable to stakeholders. At the same time, DFW must innovate and deploy new solutions for long-term success for generations to come. This year’s report covers fiscal year 2020, October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. Unless otherwise noted, data in the report reflects this timeframe.
To see this year’s full report, check this link.