San Luis Obispo, CA – The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Airports has been recognized with a 2026 Better Practice Award by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings & Better Plants program. The competitive award honors a zero-cost program that diverts clean, unused restroom supplies from the landfill and directs them to community members in need.
The Better Practice Award recognizes organizations that develop smart, repeatable approaches to reducing energy use, water consumption, or waste. The SLO County Airport (SBP) was recognized this spring at the U.S. Department of Energy’s annual Better Buildings & Better Plants Summit and featured as a case study for other organizations nationwide.
At airports, restroom supplies such as toilet paper rolls are routinely removed before they are fully depleted to maintain cleanliness standards, ensure uninterrupted service during peak travel periods, and support efficient facility operations. While these partially used supplies can no longer be used in airport facilities, they remain clean and suitable for community use. Through this program, SLO County Airport (SBP) collects and donates these materials to the 5Cities Homeless Coalition.
To date, the program has diverted hundreds of pounds of restroom supplies from landfill disposal at no added cost to the airport. The donations help support local individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, transforming an operational waste stream into a direct community benefit.
“Receiving national recognition from the U.S. Department of Energy is an honor and testament to the creativity and commitment of our team,” said Courtney Johnson, Director of Airports. “By taking a fresh look at everyday operational processes, our team found a way to reduce waste while directly supporting families in our community. It shows how thoughtful, practical changes can deliver real environmental and social impact.”
“This recognition highlights the kind of innovation and stewardship that our community expects from public agencies,” said Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. “At no additional cost, the SLO County Airport team identified an opportunity to reduce waste, support vulnerable residents, and maximize the value of public resources. It’s a powerful example of how local government can deliver meaningful environmental and community benefits through thoughtful leadership.”
The recognition reflects SLO County Airport’s broader GreenSBP commitment to operational sustainability that benefits both the environment and the surrounding community.
To learn more about SBP’s sustainability efforts, visit www.sloairport.com/greensbp.
