The Department of Aviation has been at the forefront of sustainability management, has received numerous accolades in recognition of its Diverse Business Enterprises (DBE) programs and has recruited a diverse workforce at all levels. To highlight its progress and achievements, the Department of Aviation’s Finance and Sustainability Units collaborate to produce an annual Environmental, Social and Governance Report. While the Finance Unit previously reported progress on economic, environmental and social impacts, the most recent fiscal year ESG Report takes it to a new level with a 40-page comprehensive report that includes data, images and charts, and provides a deep dive into the progress being made on airport sustainability.  

“We’re proud that we’ve compiled all the great work that is taking place throughout DOA and are presenting it in a first-class format that shows our progress on goals and the impact we have on our community,” said Cassandra Williams, Vice President of Finance & Accounting. “The ESG report is an important document that investors and rating agencies ask for along with financial statements.”

The Department of Aviation’s Finance Unit is responsible for fiscal management at PHL and PNE. This includes managing cash reserves, supporting the airport's upcoming capital plan (CDP), auditing, and ensuring fiscal reporting best practices. Thanks to sound financial management and reporting, the DOA has high ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Fitch, and Moody’s. These ratings let investors know that the Airport is run responsibly and represents a good investment.

With the formal publication of an annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, DOA can share its impact more broadly with a larger stakeholder community. 

“The Airport has been producing annual updates on our environmental progress since 2016, and the ESG report is an opportunity to elevate the many sustainability efforts underway at PHL and PNE, while holding ourselves accountable to our sustainability targets through robust and transparent data,” said Jessica Noon, Sustainability Manager at DOA. 

Here's a summary of highlights contained in the report:

Environmental

• DOA’s Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) is incorporated into the report. The SMP establishes goals, targets, metrics, and initiatives to gauge DOA’s progress for recycling, emissions, and other environmental data as well as sustainability efforts.
• Managing goal targets and progress toward reducing our carbon footprint - PHL rose from Level 1 to Level 2 and PNE achieved Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) for tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Transitioning to zero or low-carbon energy and fuels along with improving energy performance includes electrification of vehicles and ground support equipment as well as implementing energy efficiency upgrades.
• Building towards climate resilience – projecting potential flood risks and managing with a Stormwater Drainage Plan.
• Sustainable design standards reduce the environmental impact of capital projects through the use of recycled-content products, installation of low-flow fixtures, and the pursuit of green certifications, such as LEED and Envision.
• Waste diversion efforts include expanding our recycling capacity, water bottle filling stations, and recycling used carpet from our terminals. 

Social

• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion within the Workforce – there is a high representation of minorities and women across our entire staff and in senior level positions. The Racial Equity Advisory Council (REAC) works to cultivate an inclusive culture throughout the organization.
• Business Diversity – More than $80 M of PHL concession sales were earned by ACDBE vendors, 44% and 17% of DOA contract spend went to DBE vendors. DOA provides business outreach & capacity building with continuous vendor engagement through capacity building workshops and business events that facilitate networking between small and diverse businesses, prime contractors, resource partners, and Airport representatives. 
• Talent management programs offer a variety of training modules and professional development opportunities that support DEI, health and wellness, skill building, and more.
• Employee recognition programs –are ongoing and recognize employees of all stakeholders at the airport at all levels. 
  Guest experience, accessibility, and multi-lingual programs focus on making sure all passengers and users of the airport have a good experience.
• PHL’s Exhibitions Program showcases the work of hundreds of diverse artists and art institutions from across the Airport’s service region. 
• Community Outreach and Impact – DOA works closely with neighbors on airport issues and programs and provides opportunities for residents.
   

Governance

• The establishment of the Department of Aviation allows the airports to operate more independently and efficiently. 
• The Aviation Fund is an enterprise fund of the City. Enterprise funds are established by governmental units to account for services that are provided to the general public. The Aviation Fund uses aircraft landing fees, terminal building rentals, concession revenue, and other facility charges to fund annual expenses and uses no local tax dollars to operate.
• Organizational structure - not only do we have a staff that consistently includes large percentages of women and minorities, but our management team also consists of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

“Establishing an annual ESG report provides an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate and expand upon our steadfast commitment to being a good neighbor, an advocate for our environment, and an accountable steward of the public’s trust,” stated Atif Saeed.