Sustainable Airport Lounges in the U.S.: Best Low-Impact Options for Flyers
U.S. airport lounges increasingly incorporate sustainability into design and operations, though comprehensive environmental programs remain limited to select locations. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications verify measurable sustainability standards including energy efficiency, water conservation, and materials sourcing. Food waste diversion programs and renewable energy installations represent the most common sustainability initiatives at major airline lounges, while audited high-diversion operations (90%+ waste diversion at the lounge level) have not yet been achieved at U.S. locations.
This guide identifies airport lounges with verified sustainability certifications, specific environmental programs, and measurable waste reduction initiatives across the United States.
LEED-Certified Airport Lounges in the U.S.
These lounges hold third-party LEED certifications that verify energy efficiency, materials sourcing, and operational standards.
United Club at San Francisco International Airport
The United Club at SFO became the first lounge in United's network to achieve LEED Gold certification. San Francisco International Airport holds airport-wide LEED Platinum certification under LEED v4.1 for Communities (Existing)—the first airport globally to achieve this campus-level designation. LEED Gold verification requires meeting strict standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
The lounge incorporates energy-efficient systems, comprehensive recycling and composting programs, water-efficient fixtures, and low-carbon footprint materials including PVC-free fabrics. Extensive use of reclaimed native Redwood reduces demand for new materials while maintaining local sourcing principles.
United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport
United operates a LEED Silver certified United Club in Concourse C at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The location achieved certification in August 2024, incorporating energy-efficient LED lighting, low-VOC materials, and waste diversion systems. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey partnered with United on a food waste recycling pilot program at Newark in 2023, diverting organic waste from terminal concessionaires and the United Club to composting facilities.
The food waste pilot diverted approximately 120 tons of organic waste from landfills in 2024. United Club members at EWR access full-service bars, work areas with power outlets, and complimentary snacks incorporating the airline's waste reduction initiatives.
The Club at SFO
The Club at SFO operates independently in San Francisco International Airport's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and achieved LEED Gold certification—the first lounge in its network to secure this designation. The lounge incorporates energy-efficient technologies, comprehensive recycling and composting consistent with SFO's airport-wide waste reduction programs, and water-efficient systems throughout.
Materials selection emphasizes low-carbon footprint options including PVC-free fabrics and reclaimed native Redwood. The Club at SFO sits within an airport that achieved LEED Platinum certification for the entire campus, supported by building-wide renewable energy sourcing, water conservation systems, and comprehensive waste diversion infrastructure. SFO targets 90% waste diversion by 2030 as part of its zero waste to landfill goal.
Airport Lounges with Sustainable Design and Operations
These lounges incorporate low-impact design and operational practices, even when full third-party certification is not in place.
Delta Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport
The Delta Sky Club at LAX spans 30,000+ square feet and was designed to meet LEED Silver standards and California's CalGreen 2016 building code requirements. The lounge is located in Terminal 3 following Delta's $2.3 billion investment in LAX facilities.
LEED-aligned design features include glazing solutions for energy efficiency and natural lighting, locally sourced high-strength low-carbon concrete, and waste management that diverted 75%+ of construction debris from landfills. The lounge incorporates low-VOC materials throughout, advanced air filtration systems, natural ventilation where feasible, and bicycle and electric vehicle facilities supporting alternative transportation.
Delta's LAX Sky Club provides full-service bar, chef-curated menu, private workspaces, and shower suites. The lounge maintains floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing natural light and reducing artificial lighting demand during daytime operations.
American Airlines Admirals Club at Newark Liberty
American Airlines opened the Newark Liberty Admirals Club in September 2023 incorporating sustainable design elements including locally sourced materials, natural light optimization, and energy-efficient systems. The lounge is located in Terminal A and spans approximately 7,050 square feet with 137 seats. The property participates in American's network-wide composting and recycling programs.
The Newark location switched from plastic to compostable flatware and implements food waste separation consistent with Port Authority sustainability initiatives. American Airlines implemented food service changes across the Admirals Club network including compostable flatware (replacing plastic), compostable straws available on request only, and JUST Water in cartons made from 88% plant-based materials. Select locations test reusable flatware as part of American's waste reduction pilot programs. The airline discontinued plastic membership cards in favor of digital-only access, eliminating plastic waste across the Admirals Club network.
Alaska Airlines Composting and Waste Reduction
Alaska Airlines operates lounges at Anchorage (ANC), New York JFK, Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). While Alaska Lounges do not currently hold LEED certifications, Alaska Airlines implements comprehensive composting programs at flight kitchens serving these locations, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Alaska's composting program processes coffee grounds from approximately 37,000 cups of coffee served per day and 250,000+ pounds of Starbucks coffee annually. All Alaska flights departing from Sea-Tac, Portland, Anchorage, and San Francisco compost coffee grounds at these flight kitchens. Horizon Air, Alaska's regional carrier, composts 14+ tons of coffee grounds per year. Alaska estimates 30% of in-flight waste qualifies as compostable material.
The airline switched from plastic water bottles to Boxed Water (plant-based cartons) and from plastic cups to paper cups, eliminating nearly 1.8 million pounds of single-use plastics per year. Alaska recycles 12,000 tons of materials through its onboard recycling program and composts at corporate offices.
The Alaska Lounge at SFO is located in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which holds Fitwel and WELL certifications for health and wellness standards.
United Airlines Reusable Cup Pilot Programs
United launched reusable cup and mug pilot programs at select United Club locations starting in 2024. The initial pilot at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) expanded to nine additional locations: LaGuardia (LGA), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), Boston Logan (BOS), Cleveland Hopkins (CLE), Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Louis Armstrong New Orleans (MSY), and San Diego (SAN).
Reusable cup programs eliminate single-use plastic and paper cups for beverages served at United Clubs. Members receive durable cups and mugs that undergo commercial dishwashing between uses. United tracks waste reduction metrics from the pilot to determine network-wide rollout feasibility.
U.S. Airports Supporting Sustainable Lounge Operations
San Francisco International Airport and Denver International Airport operate airport-wide sustainability infrastructure including composting facilities, renewable energy, and waste sorting systems:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- First airport globally to achieve airport-wide LEED Platinum certification under LEED v4.1 for Communities (Existing) in 2022
- Harvey Milk Terminal 1: first terminal globally with Fitwel and WELL certification
- Goals: zero carbon emissions, zero waste to landfill, zero net energy from renewable sources only
- Target: 90% waste diversion by 2030
- Comprehensive recycling and composting infrastructure supporting all terminal tenants
Denver International Airport (DEN)
- On-site solar power generation
- Waste diversion reached record 22% airport-wide in 2024, surpassing 25% as of February 2025
- Zero Waste Valet pilot program achieved approximately 71% diversion in limited footprint
- Water conservation programs
- Aligns with Denver's 2040 net-zero emissions goal and zero waste programming
What Defines Sustainable Airport Lounges
Verified sustainability at U.S. airport lounges requires third-party certification (LEED Gold, LEED Silver, LEED Platinum) or measurable waste diversion programs with reported metrics. Key features include:
Building and Design
- LEED certification (Gold or Silver minimum)
- Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout
- Low-carbon concrete and building materials
- Locally sourced wood and furnishings
- PVC-free fabrics and low-VOC materials
- Natural lighting through strategic glazing
- Advanced air filtration systems
- Water-efficient fixtures
Operations
- Comprehensive recycling programs with reported diversion rates
- Food waste composting at flight kitchens or on-site
- Renewable energy sourcing (solar, grid renewable percentage)
- Digital membership cards eliminating plastic
Food and Beverage
- Compostable or reusable flatware and straws
- Plant-based water containers (cartons, aluminum)
- Reduced single-use plastics
- Food waste separation systems
Together, these criteria help separate lounges with verifiable environmental performance from those relying solely on design claims.
Why Dyme Travelers Choose Sustainable Travel
At Dyme, we turn all travel into a force for good while helping you save money. We use our profits to invest in clean energy projects that provide communities with cheaper electricity, create jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Whether you're accessing a LEED-certified United Club or an airport lounge with composting programs, your travel through Dyme contributes to solar installations and renewable infrastructure in developing markets.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
Table of Contents
Sustainable Airport Lounges in the U.S.: Best Low-Impact Options for Flyers
U.S. airport lounges increasingly incorporate sustainability into design and operations, though comprehensive environmental programs remain limited to select locations. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications verify measurable sustainability standards including energy efficiency, water conservation, and materials sourcing. Food waste diversion programs and renewable energy installations represent the most common sustainability initiatives at major airline lounges, while audited high-diversion operations (90%+ waste diversion at the lounge level) have not yet been achieved at U.S. locations.
This guide identifies airport lounges with verified sustainability certifications, specific environmental programs, and measurable waste reduction initiatives across the United States.
LEED-Certified Airport Lounges in the U.S.
These lounges hold third-party LEED certifications that verify energy efficiency, materials sourcing, and operational standards.
United Club at San Francisco International Airport
The United Club at SFO became the first lounge in United's network to achieve LEED Gold certification. San Francisco International Airport holds airport-wide LEED Platinum certification under LEED v4.1 for Communities (Existing)—the first airport globally to achieve this campus-level designation. LEED Gold verification requires meeting strict standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
The lounge incorporates energy-efficient systems, comprehensive recycling and composting programs, water-efficient fixtures, and low-carbon footprint materials including PVC-free fabrics. Extensive use of reclaimed native Redwood reduces demand for new materials while maintaining local sourcing principles.
United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport
United operates a LEED Silver certified United Club in Concourse C at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The location achieved certification in August 2024, incorporating energy-efficient LED lighting, low-VOC materials, and waste diversion systems. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey partnered with United on a food waste recycling pilot program at Newark in 2023, diverting organic waste from terminal concessionaires and the United Club to composting facilities.
The food waste pilot diverted approximately 120 tons of organic waste from landfills in 2024. United Club members at EWR access full-service bars, work areas with power outlets, and complimentary snacks incorporating the airline's waste reduction initiatives.
The Club at SFO
The Club at SFO operates independently in San Francisco International Airport's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and achieved LEED Gold certification—the first lounge in its network to secure this designation. The lounge incorporates energy-efficient technologies, comprehensive recycling and composting consistent with SFO's airport-wide waste reduction programs, and water-efficient systems throughout.
Materials selection emphasizes low-carbon footprint options including PVC-free fabrics and reclaimed native Redwood. The Club at SFO sits within an airport that achieved LEED Platinum certification for the entire campus, supported by building-wide renewable energy sourcing, water conservation systems, and comprehensive waste diversion infrastructure. SFO targets 90% waste diversion by 2030 as part of its zero waste to landfill goal.
Airport Lounges with Sustainable Design and Operations
These lounges incorporate low-impact design and operational practices, even when full third-party certification is not in place.
Delta Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport
The Delta Sky Club at LAX spans 30,000+ square feet and was designed to meet LEED Silver standards and California's CalGreen 2016 building code requirements. The lounge is located in Terminal 3 following Delta's $2.3 billion investment in LAX facilities.
LEED-aligned design features include glazing solutions for energy efficiency and natural lighting, locally sourced high-strength low-carbon concrete, and waste management that diverted 75%+ of construction debris from landfills. The lounge incorporates low-VOC materials throughout, advanced air filtration systems, natural ventilation where feasible, and bicycle and electric vehicle facilities supporting alternative transportation.
Delta's LAX Sky Club provides full-service bar, chef-curated menu, private workspaces, and shower suites. The lounge maintains floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing natural light and reducing artificial lighting demand during daytime operations.
American Airlines Admirals Club at Newark Liberty
American Airlines opened the Newark Liberty Admirals Club in September 2023 incorporating sustainable design elements including locally sourced materials, natural light optimization, and energy-efficient systems. The lounge is located in Terminal A and spans approximately 7,050 square feet with 137 seats. The property participates in American's network-wide composting and recycling programs.
The Newark location switched from plastic to compostable flatware and implements food waste separation consistent with Port Authority sustainability initiatives. American Airlines implemented food service changes across the Admirals Club network including compostable flatware (replacing plastic), compostable straws available on request only, and JUST Water in cartons made from 88% plant-based materials. Select locations test reusable flatware as part of American's waste reduction pilot programs. The airline discontinued plastic membership cards in favor of digital-only access, eliminating plastic waste across the Admirals Club network.
Alaska Airlines Composting and Waste Reduction
Alaska Airlines operates lounges at Anchorage (ANC), New York JFK, Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). While Alaska Lounges do not currently hold LEED certifications, Alaska Airlines implements comprehensive composting programs at flight kitchens serving these locations, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Alaska's composting program processes coffee grounds from approximately 37,000 cups of coffee served per day and 250,000+ pounds of Starbucks coffee annually. All Alaska flights departing from Sea-Tac, Portland, Anchorage, and San Francisco compost coffee grounds at these flight kitchens. Horizon Air, Alaska's regional carrier, composts 14+ tons of coffee grounds per year. Alaska estimates 30% of in-flight waste qualifies as compostable material.
The airline switched from plastic water bottles to Boxed Water (plant-based cartons) and from plastic cups to paper cups, eliminating nearly 1.8 million pounds of single-use plastics per year. Alaska recycles 12,000 tons of materials through its onboard recycling program and composts at corporate offices.
The Alaska Lounge at SFO is located in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which holds Fitwel and WELL certifications for health and wellness standards.
United Airlines Reusable Cup Pilot Programs
United launched reusable cup and mug pilot programs at select United Club locations starting in 2024. The initial pilot at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) expanded to nine additional locations: LaGuardia (LGA), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), Boston Logan (BOS), Cleveland Hopkins (CLE), Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Louis Armstrong New Orleans (MSY), and San Diego (SAN).
Reusable cup programs eliminate single-use plastic and paper cups for beverages served at United Clubs. Members receive durable cups and mugs that undergo commercial dishwashing between uses. United tracks waste reduction metrics from the pilot to determine network-wide rollout feasibility.
U.S. Airports Supporting Sustainable Lounge Operations
San Francisco International Airport and Denver International Airport operate airport-wide sustainability infrastructure including composting facilities, renewable energy, and waste sorting systems:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- First airport globally to achieve airport-wide LEED Platinum certification under LEED v4.1 for Communities (Existing) in 2022
- Harvey Milk Terminal 1: first terminal globally with Fitwel and WELL certification
- Goals: zero carbon emissions, zero waste to landfill, zero net energy from renewable sources only
- Target: 90% waste diversion by 2030
- Comprehensive recycling and composting infrastructure supporting all terminal tenants
Denver International Airport (DEN)
- On-site solar power generation
- Waste diversion reached record 22% airport-wide in 2024, surpassing 25% as of February 2025
- Zero Waste Valet pilot program achieved approximately 71% diversion in limited footprint
- Water conservation programs
- Aligns with Denver's 2040 net-zero emissions goal and zero waste programming
What Defines Sustainable Airport Lounges
Verified sustainability at U.S. airport lounges requires third-party certification (LEED Gold, LEED Silver, LEED Platinum) or measurable waste diversion programs with reported metrics. Key features include:
Building and Design
- LEED certification (Gold or Silver minimum)
- Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout
- Low-carbon concrete and building materials
- Locally sourced wood and furnishings
- PVC-free fabrics and low-VOC materials
- Natural lighting through strategic glazing
- Advanced air filtration systems
- Water-efficient fixtures
Operations
- Comprehensive recycling programs with reported diversion rates
- Food waste composting at flight kitchens or on-site
- Renewable energy sourcing (solar, grid renewable percentage)
- Digital membership cards eliminating plastic
Food and Beverage
- Compostable or reusable flatware and straws
- Plant-based water containers (cartons, aluminum)
- Reduced single-use plastics
- Food waste separation systems
Together, these criteria help separate lounges with verifiable environmental performance from those relying solely on design claims.
Why Dyme Travelers Choose Sustainable Travel
At Dyme, we turn all travel into a force for good while helping you save money. We use our profits to invest in clean energy projects that provide communities with cheaper electricity, create jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Whether you're accessing a LEED-certified United Club or an airport lounge with composting programs, your travel through Dyme contributes to solar installations and renewable infrastructure in developing markets.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
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