RELEASE – Reno-Tahoe International Airport Showcases Commitment to Sustainability with Innovative Initiatives 

The Airport Displays First Ever Art Exhibit Dedicated to Sustainability  

RENO, Nev. (Nov. 12, 2024) – Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is proud to announce its ongoing commitment to sustainability through a series of innovative initiatives and the debut of a unique art exhibition, “From Waste to Wonder”, which is on display in the depARTures Gallery through January 2025. 

“From Waste to Wonder” marks RNO’s first exhibit dedicated to sustainability, presented by The Generator, in collaboration with Clean Up the Lake. This exhibition transforms discarded materials retrieved from local lakes into creative works of art by students from the Coral Academy of Science and others. Each piece highlights the beauty of sustainability and encourages viewers to reimagine waste as a source of renewal. 

In addition to the exhibition, RNO is focusing on sustainable practices and operational efficiency with the MoreRNO Infrastructure Program. Key projects include: 

• Airport Sustainability Advisory Committee: This committee, supported by RTAA Board liaison Kitty Jung, is at the forefront of strategizing and implementing sustainability initiatives throughout the airport. 

• Loop Road Project: Completed in September 2024, this project features recycled materials, energy-efficient LED lighting and snow melt technology in the canopies. 

• Ground Transportation Center Infrastructure: Infrastructure for future build out to accommodate electric rental car fleets, which would support RNO’s vision for greener ground transportation. 

•  Geothermal Central Utility Plant: Set to service a larger area with increased efficiency, this plant is projected to support the airport’s goal in achieving LEED-Gold certification for the new concourses, being 20% more efficient than standard building codes. It is anticipated to reduce energy usage by 50% and water consumption by 77% for the using ground source heat exchange. This CUP will also service the new Police and RTAA HQ building and allows for future expansion. 

• Aircraft Gate Electrification and Ground Power Units: These technologies will significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution at the airport.  

When traveling through the airport, visit the depARTures gallery to experience “From Waste to Wonder”, a symbol of the airport’s commitment to innovative, eco-friendly practices that contribute to a sustainable future for the region.  

Sample images and video of the art exhibit are available to download here. 

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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Ten airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.