SUSTAINABILITY
At Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV), we are focused every day on making smart choices about our energy use and impact on the environment. Through local partnerships and the support of several local, state, and regional energy plans and targets, we are committed to be a leader in advancing sustainability within the great State of Vermont.
From the installation of a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) array on the roof of the Airport’s parking garage, to award winning stormwater treatment systems, BTV continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability in the way it operates and develops, while ensuring quality service to its passengers, neighboring communities, and business partners.
2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory found here.
Sustainability Information
Highlights Report
Airport Master Plan Sustainability Report
BTV knows the importance of keeping our environment safe in the air and on the ground. Every day we are focused on making smart choices about our energy use and the impact we have in our community. From installing renewable energy systems to electronic aviation, find out everything we are doing for the environment now and in the future. Read More >>
Master Plan Update
The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport is an important resource for Chittenden County and the State of Vermont as a whole. Because of that it is important to map out plans for future development that might be needed to ensure community input is received and financial planning can be carried out. An Airport Master Plan is a study used to determine the long-term development plans for an airport, addresses the development needs for a 20-year time period. The Airport Master Plan process provides opportunities for political entities and the public to participate in the development of aviation plans. It provides a framework for individual airport development programs consistent with short, intermediate, and long-range airport system requirements and determines future financial requirements. For further informaiton, please visit: www.btvmasterplan.com
Airport Carbon Accreditation
Leahy BTV has achieved Level 1 – Mapping in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program — the first of seven levels in this global sustainability initiative.
Level 1: Mapping focuses on measuring and understanding an airport’s carbon footprint.
Through this stage, Leahy BTV:
-
Calculates total emissions within the airport’s operational boundary
-
Compiles a detailed carbon footprint report
-
Undergoes third-party verification to ensure accuracy and transparency
Leahy BTV is currently working toward Level 2 Accreditation.
As the first small hub airport in New England to earn this accreditation, Leahy BTV is proud to lead the way in sustainability, demonstrating that environmental stewardship is at the heart of how we operate.
Landscaping Project
Chamberlin Neighborhood - Recreation Path & Landscaping Project
In an effort to continue to foster a sense of community, the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport is proposing a new recreation path which will incorporate various landscape elements in the Chamberlin neighborhood. The path will be a "green belt" filled with native plant species and features that mimic Vermont's iconic landscape. One of the goals of this conceptual path is to help create further connectivity, health and wellness within the neighborhood.
Recreation Path & Landscaping Project Pamphlet
Land and Reuse Plan
Land and Reuse Plan
The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport's (BTV) most current Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan was accepted in 2016. This update reviewed the previously proposed disposition and future potential use of all noise land listed in the inventory, as well as any additional properties that have been added/acquired.
Please follow this link to the designated website for further information, documents, and to submit any questions: www.btvairportlandreuse.com
Tenant Efforts
Heritage Aviation
Hertiage Aviation’s facility at BTV received Gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) status from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2011. This facility provides full general aviation maintenance and repair services. In addition to its wind turbine and roof- mounted solar PV, its sustainable features include one of the largest green roofs in the New England region, a light-monitoring system that adjusts lighting output based on ambient conditions, and a solar- powered hot water heater. The wind turbine at Heritage Aviation, installed in 2009, is the first wind installation at a general aviation facility in the U.S. Read More >>
Beta Technologies
Beta Technologies is on the cutting edge of electric aviation. Its eVTOL, electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, is a patented electric propulsion systems and produces zero operational emissions. Read More >>
The Skinny Pancake
The Skinny Pancake, one of the concessionaires at BTV, has gone above and beyond when it comes to waste diversion at the Airport. The company has a corporate zero- waste initiative that includes back- of-the-house composting and provides for extensive employee training on sorting recyclables from food scraps, cooking oil, and grease. In addition to carefully tracking food purchases to minimize waste, the Skinny Pancake offers a discount on excess items such as day-old baked goods or donates them to local food pantries, as appropriate. Read More >>
The Vermont Air National Guard
The Vermont Air National Guard (ANG) received an $8.8 million federal grant to study and develop a solar PV system to help power its operations at BTV. Installed in 2011, the approximately 1.5-megawatt (MW) system is estimated to save the ANG $256,049 annually. Read More >>
Grants
MS4 Community Formula Grant
In February 2024, BTV received $459,698 in funding through the Vermont State Clean Water Fund.
This grant supports stormwater infrastructure improvements in partnership with the City of South Burlington, helping enhance water quality and reduce environmental impacts.
The program assists communities in meeting MS4 permit compliance by funding the design and implementation of stormwater management practices that contribute to phosphorus reduction goals outlined in local Phosphorus Control Plans.
Learn more about the MS4 Community Formula Grant
Northern Border Regional Commission
In June 2024, BTV was awarded $3.56 million through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Timber for Transit Program.
This grant supports the use of mass timber framing and Vermont maple ceilings in our terminal expansion, materials that showcase regional craftsmanship while helping reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint.
Learn more about the NBRC Timber Grant
Community Noise Mitigation Program
The Community Noise Mitigation Program is a competitive grant program designed to assist state and local governments and tribal entities impacted by military fixed-wing aviation noise - to include those impacted by both active and guard/reserve installations.
BTV was awared a $7,320,760 federal grant through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to undertake a project to install noise mitigating insultion in approximately 58 private residences within 65-70 decibel noise contours of Burlington Air National Guard Base.
Airport Master Plan Sustainability Report
BTV knows the importance of keeping our environment safe in the air and on the ground. Every day we are focused on making smart choices about our energy use and the impact we have in our community. From installing renewable energy systems to electronic aviation, find out everything we are doing for the environment now and in the future. Read More >>
Master Plan Update
The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport is an important resource for Chittenden County and the State of Vermont as a whole. Because of that it is important to map out plans for future development that might be needed to ensure community input is received and financial planning can be carried out. An Airport Master Plan is a study used to determine the long-term development plans for an airport, addresses the development needs for a 20-year time period. The Airport Master Plan process provides opportunities for political entities and the public to participate in the development of aviation plans. It provides a framework for individual airport development programs consistent with short, intermediate, and long-range airport system requirements and determines future financial requirements. For further informaiton, please visit: www.btvmasterplan.com
Airport Carbon Accreditation
Leahy BTV has achieved Level 1 – Mapping in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program — the first of seven levels in this global sustainability initiative.
Level 1: Mapping focuses on measuring and understanding an airport’s carbon footprint.
Through this stage, Leahy BTV:
-
Calculates total emissions within the airport’s operational boundary
-
Compiles a detailed carbon footprint report
-
Undergoes third-party verification to ensure accuracy and transparency
Leahy BTV is currently working toward Level 2 Accreditation.
As the first small hub airport in New England to earn this accreditation, Leahy BTV is proud to lead the way in sustainability, demonstrating that environmental stewardship is at the heart of how we operate.
Chamberlin Neighborhood - Recreation Path & Landscaping Project
In an effort to continue to foster a sense of community, the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport is proposing a new recreation path which will incorporate various landscape elements in the Chamberlin neighborhood. The path will be a "green belt" filled with native plant species and features that mimic Vermont's iconic landscape. One of the goals of this conceptual path is to help create further connectivity, health and wellness within the neighborhood.
Recreation Path & Landscaping Project Pamphlet
Land and Reuse Plan
The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport's (BTV) most current Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan was accepted in 2016. This update reviewed the previously proposed disposition and future potential use of all noise land listed in the inventory, as well as any additional properties that have been added/acquired.
Please follow this link to the designated website for further information, documents, and to submit any questions: www.btvairportlandreuse.com
Heritage Aviation
Hertiage Aviation’s facility at BTV received Gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) status from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2011. This facility provides full general aviation maintenance and repair services. In addition to its wind turbine and roof- mounted solar PV, its sustainable features include one of the largest green roofs in the New England region, a light-monitoring system that adjusts lighting output based on ambient conditions, and a solar- powered hot water heater. The wind turbine at Heritage Aviation, installed in 2009, is the first wind installation at a general aviation facility in the U.S. Read More >>
Beta Technologies
Beta Technologies is on the cutting edge of electric aviation. Its eVTOL, electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, is a patented electric propulsion systems and produces zero operational emissions. Read More >>
The Skinny Pancake
The Skinny Pancake, one of the concessionaires at BTV, has gone above and beyond when it comes to waste diversion at the Airport. The company has a corporate zero- waste initiative that includes back- of-the-house composting and provides for extensive employee training on sorting recyclables from food scraps, cooking oil, and grease. In addition to carefully tracking food purchases to minimize waste, the Skinny Pancake offers a discount on excess items such as day-old baked goods or donates them to local food pantries, as appropriate. Read More >>
The Vermont Air National Guard
The Vermont Air National Guard (ANG) received an $8.8 million federal grant to study and develop a solar PV system to help power its operations at BTV. Installed in 2011, the approximately 1.5-megawatt (MW) system is estimated to save the ANG $256,049 annually. Read More >>
MS4 Community Formula Grant
In February 2024, BTV received $459,698 in funding through the Vermont State Clean Water Fund.
This grant supports stormwater infrastructure improvements in partnership with the City of South Burlington, helping enhance water quality and reduce environmental impacts.
The program assists communities in meeting MS4 permit compliance by funding the design and implementation of stormwater management practices that contribute to phosphorus reduction goals outlined in local Phosphorus Control Plans.
Learn more about the MS4 Community Formula Grant
Northern Border Regional Commission
In June 2024, BTV was awarded $3.56 million through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Timber for Transit Program.
This grant supports the use of mass timber framing and Vermont maple ceilings in our terminal expansion, materials that showcase regional craftsmanship while helping reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint.
Learn more about the NBRC Timber Grant
Community Noise Mitigation Program
The Community Noise Mitigation Program is a competitive grant program designed to assist state and local governments and tribal entities impacted by military fixed-wing aviation noise - to include those impacted by both active and guard/reserve installations.
BTV was awared a $7,320,760 federal grant through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to undertake a project to install noise mitigating insultion in approximately 58 private residences within 65-70 decibel noise contours of Burlington Air National Guard Base.
