Commercial, GHG Emissions  -  February 1, 2019

ATL will offset emissions from Super Bowl air travel

For the first time, carbon emissions from Super Bowl fans’ air travel to the game will be offset. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Rocky Mountain Institute and The Good Traveler are partnering to offset the equivalent of 1,624 air miles for each of the 71,000 fan seats at Mercedes Benz Stadium for Super Bowl LIII on February 3.

“Reducing and offsetting emissions is an on-going priority for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Airport has offset over 60,000 tons since 2017”, explains Michael Cheyne, Director of Asset Management and Sustainability at ATL in a statement. " Our hope is that future Super Bowls and other major events will build on and exceed our commitment to resiliency.”

The statement noted that offsets are the only option today (and an easy one) for air travelers to mitigate the CO2 impact of their flights. Flying is carbon intensive and can account for over 80 percent of direct emissions for the Super Bowl. The fans’ carbon offsets will come from projects that make good use of waste, reduce greenhouse gases, and support the local community. Georgia-based Dalton-Whitfield and Wolfcreek landfill to energy projects reduce carbon pollution and provide a reliable source of renewable energy to local industry while providing enough power for 1500 homes.

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