Sustainability has become a defining priority across the aviation sector, and EXP is positioned at the forefront of this evolution. Our aviation teams support airport owners and operators as they respond to climate commitments, regulatory requirements, commodity fluctuations and rising expectations around resilience, energy performance and passenger experience — while maintaining safe, efficient, 24/7 operations.

A proven foundation of integrated sustainability with aviation

We have been specializing in aviation for more than 50 years. EXP’s approach to aviation sustainability is rooted in decades of experience integrating environmental performance, energy systems and operational excellence across complex, active facilities. Our approach embeds sustainability into planning, design and delivery and not as a standalone service. This includes leadership in LEED® and Envision and various green building strategies, net-zero design, energy modeling, lifecycle analysis and implementation of measurable carbon reduction initiatives.

Across North America, EXP supports airports of all sizes with sustainability-driven programs that align capital investments with long-term operational and environmental goals. Our aviation portfolio includes terminal upgrades, airside and landside infrastructure, electrification strategies, distributed energy resources, renewable energy integration and resiliency planning — often delivered through on call and programmatic frameworks that allow clients to scale solutions over time.

“Aviation clients are no longer asking if sustainability should be integrated,” EXP’s Vice President, Aviation Marcos Souza said. “They’re asking how to do it in a way that is practical, phased and operationally sound.”

Real-world impact – Coast to coast

Recent aviation work highlights EXP’s ability to translate strategy into implementation across diverse geographies and operating environments.

  • South Florida: EXP is supporting the Miami Dade Aviation Department (MDAD): Electrification and renewable support including IV charging master plan infrastructure design across multiple airport facilities. Support for Miami International Airport (MIA) Solar program, advancing onsite renewable energy generation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy resilience, and support long-term operating cost stability.
    • Broward County, FL: Partnered with the County to create and implement a new Net Zero plan, defining initiatives and tools to improve sustainability and energy efficiency.
  • West Coast: EXP is supporting King County International Airport with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives, helping advance low-carbon fuel strategies that reduce lifecycle emissions while maintaining operational reliability.
  • Pacific region: EXP is leading a microgrid feasibility study for Guam International Airport (GIAA), evaluating renewable generation, alternative energy systems, storage, and critical infrastructure reliability to support long-term resilience.
  • Across North America: EXP has led the design of 13 air traffic control towers.

A tall, modern air traffic control tower stands illuminated at dusk, with a low building connected at its base. The surrounding area is flat with grass and pavement.

“Our strength is helping airports move from high-level sustainability goals to real, implementable solutions that reduce emissions, improve resilience and support long-term responsible growth,” said Aviation Principal, Sustainable Development Brennan Sydor.

EXP continues to advance airport sustainability through energy efficient building systems, resilient infrastructure design, and integrated planning that minimizes disruption to passengers and airport operations. Our teams understand that sustainability in aviation must balance environmental outcomes with constructability, phasing, and continuous airport operations.

Looking ahead

As airports evolve to meet the challenges of climate resilience, energy transition and growing demand, EXP remains committed to delivering practical, forward-looking solutions.

“By combining multidisciplinary aviation expertise with sustainability leadership and by continuing to invest in expanding our expertise, we are helping shape the next generation of sustainable aviation infrastructure across North America and beyond,” Vice President, Aviation Stephen Elrod, AIA, said.

Learn about Aviation at EXP and connect with our aviation leaders:

  • Marcos Souza, PE, PMP, Vice President/Director of Aviation
  • Stephen Elrod, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President/Director of Aviation
  • Brennan Sydor, P.Eng, LEED AP, ENV SP, CEM, Principal, Energy and Sustainability