California-based Clay Lacy Aviation has become the first company to receive a “Facilities Neutral” rating from 4Air, an industry sustainability solutions provider.

With its headquarters at Los Angeles-area Van Nuys Airport, Clay Lacy has invested heavily in reducing its environmental impact through initiatives such as the installation of a 30,000-sq-ft solar energy array, the introduction of e-vehicle charging stations, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, and the use of carbon offset credits. Through its audit process, 4Air validated that the facility has been operating in a carbon-neutral manner since 2019.

“The Facilities Neutral rating affirms the sustainability strategy and actions taken by Clay Lacy Aviation to meet a carbon-neutral level,” explained 4Air president Kennedy Ricci. “After a thorough review and audit, we offer Clay Lacy stakeholders and its customers assurance that its program has delivered in its goals of reducing its carbon footprint and procuring carbon offsets to attain carbon neutrality.”

This recognition builds on Clay Lacy's environmental resume that also includes the title of first to be certified under NATA's new Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses. It will soon break ground on two additional FBOs—one at John Wayne Orange County Airport in California and on the East Coast at Connecticut’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport, each of which will also be designed to incorporate sustainable construction and operational practices.

“4Air’s rating is an industry-first framework to address greenhouse gas impact that offers a verifiable path to achieve meaningful emissions counteraction and reduction,” said Scott Cutshall, the service provider’s senior v-p of development and sustainability. “This important third-party rating recognizes that Clay Lacy’s thoughtful and proactive efforts are meeting our measurable goals, as we continue to work toward a sustainable future.”