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.
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 – Coming 2025
A 940 kW solar photovoltaic canopy system is planned for Lot 4, with construction beginning in June 2025. This large-scale installation will not only generate clean, renewable energy to offset a significant portion of the airport’s power usage, but also provide shaded parking for travelers and contribute meaningfully to SBP’s long-term decarbonization goals.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Carbon & Transportation
Project Spotlight:
Sustainability & Decarbonization 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 Canopy
This project locks in a fixed rate for electricity for the next 20 years, shielding the airport from rising energy costs. This project represents the largest solar carport project the County government has installed.
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.
