From left: MDAD Assistant Director for Facilities Development Pedro Hernandez and MDAD Civil Environmental Chief Gustavo Leal, with FAC’s 2017 J. Bryan Cooper awards
From left: MDAD Assistant Director for Facilities Development Pedro Hernandez and MDAD Civil Environmental Chief Gustavo Leal, with FAC’s 2017 J. Bryan Cooper awards
MIAMI - In recognition of its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and conserve natural resources, Miami International Airport received two awards today at the 2017 Florida Airports Council Specialty Conference in Orlando.  The 2017 J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award was given to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), which operates MIA, and the 2017 J. Bryan Cooper Vision Award was received by Pedro Hernandez, MDAD Assistant Director for Facilities Development. "I would like to congratulate the Miami-Dade Aviation Department for its industry leadership in the area of sustainability," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Giménez. “In addition to being one of our County’s largest economic engines, I applaud Miami International Airport for also setting the pace in protecting our environment.” MIA was chosen by the FAC’s Environmental Awards Committee for its numerous sustainable practices and achievements, including: a $500 million capital improvement program to mitigate MIA’s environmental impact; its $32-million Sustainability Project, which is saving the airport more than $40 million in utility costs through lighting, ventilation and water conservation upgrades; and its recycling program, which tripled from 451 tons of recycled products in 2010 to 1,284 tons in 2016. Earlier this year, MIA also received the Airports Council International-North America 2017 Environmental Achievement Award in the Environmental Management category. "At an operation the size of MIA, with more passenger and cargo flights to the Latin American and Caribbean region than any other U.S. airport, we take great pride in our environmental responsibility,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “We appreciate the FAC for recognizing our efforts among our fellow Florida airports, and congratulations to Pedro, MDAD Civil Environmental Chief Gustavo Leal, and their team, for a job well don