# Airports Going Green: A Sustainable Future

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/10/airports-going-green-a-sustainable-future/
- Published: 2015-10-23T00:30:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Coca-Cola, Renew Merchandise, and Hudson Group Partner to Support Airports Going Green

### A Powerful Collaboration for Aviation Sustainability

In June 2015, three sustainability leaders—[Coca-Cola](https://www.coca-colacompany.com/sustainability),
Renew Merchandise, and the [Hudson Group](https://www.hudsongroup.com/)—announced
they would join forces with the Chicago Department of Aviation to support the annual
Airports Going Green Conference. This flagship event, held October 25–28, 2015, 
in Chicago, served as the aviation industry’s most influential sustainability forum.

At its core, the partnership showcased how major brands and [aviation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/green-concessions-policy-for-sustainable-airports/)
stakeholders can collaborate to reshape not just airports but also the traveler 
experience. Attendees didn’t simply hear about green initiatives—they saw them in
action. Participants viewed innovative products, explored sustainable fashion made
from recycled fabrics, and even received an exclusive conference shirt created from
upcycled plastic bottles.

### The Importance of Airports Going Green

[Airports Going Green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/disaster-plan-preparing-for-extreme-weather-events/)
was not just another industry event. It was designed as a hub for innovation, collaboration,
and knowledge-sharing. The forum attracted airport executives, government officials,
sustainability managers, and global leaders seeking to learn how eco-conscious practices
could transform air travel.

The [American Association of Airport Executives](https://www.aaae.org/) co-hosted
the conference alongside the CDA. Together, they built an event that highlighted
both successes and challenges in reducing aviation’s environmental footprint. For
an industry often criticized for [carbon emissions](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/environment/climate-change/),
this gathering was essential to push new solutions forward.

![Pie chart titled airports going green sustainability initiatives displayed inside
an airport terminal with passengers walking planes visible through large glass windows
and sustainability categories color coded](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/
wp-content/uploads/2015/10/5FF39246-56C1-4C83-968C-D85801473A85.png?resize=400%2C400&
ssl=1 "Pie chart titled “Airports Going Green: Sustainability Initiatives” displayed
inside an airport terminal with passengers walking, planes visible through large
glass windows, and sustainability categories color-coded. - The Green Living Guy")

Airports Going Green A breakdown of sustainability initiatives from energy efficiency
and renewable energy to waste reduction sustainable retail and traveler engagement
programs

### Coca-Cola’s Role in the Sustainability Movement

Coca-Cola, once associated almost exclusively with global consumption, had begun
pivoting toward a greener narrative. Its work in recycling, packaging reduction,
and water stewardship aligned perfectly with the conference’s themes. Coca-Cola’s
participation highlighted the value of corporate responsibility in large-scale environmental
initiatives.

By investing in upcycled products and supporting community engagement, Coca-Cola
illustrated that even companies with vast global footprints can commit to greener
practices.

### Renew Merchandise and Sustainable Fashion

Renew Merchandise transformed sustainability from concept to consumer experience.
The company specialized in turning recycled plastics into fashionable products, 
including clothing, bags, and accessories. At the 2015 conference, attendees could
see and feel these items firsthand.

The inclusion of [fashion at an aviation sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/12/nau-relaunch-stylish-and-sustainable-fashion/)
conference sent a clear message: sustainability crosses every sector. Travelers 
spend billions each year in airports, often purchasing apparel or merchandise. By
bringing eco-friendly fashion into airport retail, Renew Merchandise demonstrated
that every transaction can support a greener future.

### Hudson Group: The Airport Retail Powerhouse

Known as the “[Traveler’s Best Friend](https://www.hudsongroup.com/),” Hudson Group
dominates airport retail across North America. By 2015, Hudson was already offering
more sustainable choices. Their involvement in the conference underscored the critical
role retailers play in shaping traveler behavior.

When passengers shop at airports, they rarely consider environmental impact. Hudson’s
participation proved that retail can act as a lever for change, integrating sustainability
into everyday consumer decisions.

### Why Airports Are Going Green

Airports are massive ecosystems, serving millions of travelers while consuming vast
amounts of energy and resources. Their environmental footprint includes electricity
use, water management, waste production, and aircraft-related emissions.

The Airports Going Green Conference provided a roadmap for how aviation could adapt.
It showcased case studies, innovations, and strategies for cutting costs and carbon
emissions at the same time.

### Case Studies and Global Perspectives

The event attracted leaders from across the globe who shared examples of sustainable
practices:

 1. Europe: Airports highlighted [solar-powered terminals](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/city-of-tucson-water-department-and-trico-electric-dedicate-1-megawatt-sunpower-solar-power-system/)
    and green-certified buildings.
 2. Asia: Airports showcased cutting-edge recycling and biofuel initiatives.
 3. North America: U.S. airports shared successes in [LEED-certified construction](https://www.usgbc.org/leed)
    and electric ground fleets.

Each story reinforced the idea that airports are becoming test beds for sustainable
infrastructure.

### Creating Economic and Environmental Value

Sustainability is often mistaken for a financial burden. In reality, it delivers
economic and environmental value. Presenters emphasized how energy efficiency, waste
reduction, and green purchasing lower long-term costs.

For example, LED lighting retrofits cut both emissions and utility bills. Likewise,
introducing recycled merchandise generated new revenue streams while supporting 
the [circular economy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/circular-recycling-the-shocking-truth-revealed/).

The takeaway was clear: green initiatives benefit both the planet and the bottom
line.

### Raising Awareness Among Travelers

Organizers knew that travelers themselves play a role. By distributing shirts made
from upcycled plastic bottles, they provided a tangible reminder of recycling’s 
potential. Each shirt became a conversation starter, sparking curiosity about where
waste goes and how it can be reused.

This approach engaged not just aviation professionals but also the broader traveling
public, turning sustainability into something visible and relatable.

![Airport going green](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/
10/wpid-wp-1445551598841.jpeg?resize=349%2C82&quality=52&ssl=1 "Airport Going Green-
The Green Living Guy")

### Collaboration as a Path Forward

The Coca-Cola, Renew Merchandise, and Hudson Group partnership illustrated the power
of collaboration. Each organization contributed something unique—Coca-Cola with 
its global recycling initiatives, Renew with sustainable product innovation, and
Hudson with its retail network.

Together, they proved that partnerships accelerate impact. This model serves as 
a blueprint for industries seeking to align around environmental goals.

### Looking Ahead: The Legacy of 2015

Although this was nearly a decade ago, the lessons from the 2015 Airports Going 
Green Conference remain highly relevant. Aviation today faces even greater pressure
to reduce emissions and align with [global climate targets](https://unfccc.int/climate-action).

Airports are now expanding into electric ground operations and zero-waste concessions.
What began with small steps, such as introducing sustainable merchandise, has evolved
into major transformations.

### Conclusion: Sustainability Takes Flight

The 2015 partnership between Coca-Cola, Renew Merchandise, Hudson Group, and the
Chicago Department of Aviation proved that sustainability is not an add-on—it’s 
essential to the future of aviation. By engaging corporations, retailers, and travelers,
the conference advanced a shared vision for greener airports.

Today, these lessons continue to inspire. They remind us that every sector—beverages,
fashion, and retail—has a role to play in shaping a more sustainable world. With
creativity, commitment, and cooperation, sustainability can indeed take flight.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)