Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the US has been named the Best Green Concessions Practice among airports in North America.

The airport’s sustainable initiatives include the reduction of waste and integrated recycling, composting and a food bank programme for the needy.

The airport concessionaires recycled more than 1,200t of material in 2008 and saved disposal costs and generated revenue of $160,000 through rebates on recyclables.

The airport has been working towards green initiatives since 2001, when it made waste reduction and recycling a priority.

The recycling programmes helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly and saved 3,700yd³ of landfill space.