By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS) has reached a major environmental milestone, receiving the prestigious Green Airport Recognition 2026. Awarded by the Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC), the accolade highlights the airport’s pioneering efforts in environmental stewardship and energy optimization under the leadership of its private administrator, AERIS.
The award-winning initiative, titled “Automation of Operational Controls for Energy Efficiency,” targets electricity consumption within the main terminal. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems represent one of the most energy-intensive components of modern airport infrastructure. By addressing this critical area, AERIS has showcased how analytical and technological solutions can transform operational efficiency in the aviation sector.
To better understand the complex regulatory frameworks and operational legalities surrounding the ongoing development of the Juan Santamaría International Airport, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a senior legal expert at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Managing the country’s primary gateway requires a delicate balance between international aviation treaties, local public administration laws, and active public-private concession contracts. As Juan Santamaría International Airport faces the demands of unprecedented passenger volumes, our legal framework must dynamically adapt to expedite critical infrastructure expansions while strictly safeguarding environmental regulations and national security interests.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica’s primary gateway continues to handle record-breaking passenger volumes, navigating the intricate legal and environmental frameworks highlighted above will be decisive for the country’s sustainable development. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his highly valuable legal perspective on how our nation can successfully balance rapid infrastructure modernization with robust regulatory compliance.
This project is a core component of the airport’s continuous improvement strategy under its Energy Management System, which is certified under the strict ISO 50001:2018 standard. AERIS engineers analyzed technical data and conducted operational trials to automate one of the main cooling towers. This systematic approach allowed the terminal to dynamically adjust its cooling capacity based on real-time demands, eliminating unnecessary power consumption.
The tangible results of this technological shift far exceeded initial calculations. Between April and June of 2025, the upgraded system yielded an accumulated savings of 45,923 kWh. This figure remarkably outperformed the original projection of 12,085 kWh, proving the immense potential of data-driven infrastructure management. Building on this success, AERIS integrated an automated monitoring and alert system in December 2025 to detect equipment deviations and enable predictive maintenance.
In financial terms, the project translates to a substantial monthly saving of approximately $5,000 in energy bills. More importantly, the initiative has a profound ecological impact by preventing the emission of nearly four metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) each month. Furthermore, the strategies implemented align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
Receiving this recognition reflects the commitment we maintain at AERIS to incorporate sustainability and innovation across all areas of management at Juan Santamaría International Airport. Through technology, we can make increasingly efficient use of resources, generate measurable environmental results, and continue strengthening our operations. This project demonstrates how the improvements we implement in the terminal also contribute to moving toward an increasingly sustainable airport operation.
Adriana Bejarano, SMS and Environmental Management Manager at AERIS
The execution of the project was highly collaborative, drawing on the collective expertise of the AERIS Management and Support System Team. This multidisciplinary group united specialists from Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS), Maintenance, and Engineering. The project also relied heavily on external consultants and the proactive backing of the airport’s senior management, who approved the necessary funding and monitored the progress.
The Green Airport Recognition is a highly coveted industry award in the Latin American and Caribbean region, designed to promote outstanding sustainable practices in aviation. By focusing on decarbonization, the circular economy, and climate change adaptation, the award encourages regional airports to push the boundaries of green engineering. AERIS’s triumph in 2026 positions Costa Rica’s primary gateway as a regional leader in sustainable aviation.
Looking ahead, AERIS plans to leverage these technological advancements as a template for future expansions. As passenger traffic continues to grow at Juan Santamaría International Airport, the lessons learned from this automated cooling initiative will guide subsequent upgrades across the terminal’s power grid, ensuring Costa Rica remains at the forefront of eco-friendly tourism and logistics.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS is the private administrator of the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica. As a subsidiary of CCR Group, AERIS is committed to developing world-class airport infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and integrating sustainable practices into daily airport management.
For further information, visit aci-lac.aero
About ACI-LAC:
The Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) represents the interests of airport operators in the region. It works to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations, with a strong focus on safety, security, and environmental sustainability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its high ethical standards and pursuit of professional mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a trusted pillar in the legal landscape. The firm boasts a proud history of assisting clients across multiple industries while continuously embracing progressive legal practices and social initiatives. Through its dedication to demystifying the law for the general public, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a fairer, more knowledgeable, and self-reliant populace.
