Creating the World's Healthiest Airport - Lessons from SFO

Airports move millions of people daily—what if they could also improve their health? At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), real-time data is turning this vision into reality for over 50 million passengers yearly. With multiple LEED and WELL Platinum certifications, SFO is advancing sustainability leadership by prioritizing human health. As part of its five-year goal to “Deliver an airport experience where people and our planet come first,” SFO has made indoor air quality (IAQ) a fundamental pillar of passenger and employee well-being, and implemented the world’s first large-scale IAQ monitoring initiative in an airport setting, actively managing air quality across its terminals, offices, and facilities. SFO conducted a two-year study on IAQ to help shape its strategic framework. Anthony Bernheim from SFO will share key findings, introduce SFO’s approach, and highlight how health and well-being are key to an exceptional guest experience. He will walk through SFO’s implementation plan, dive into the IAQ pilot, and share how this ties into SFO’s LEED and WELL certifications and broader well-being initiatives. Liam Bates from Kaiterra will present insights regarding SFO’s use of IAQ monitors as a part of their Air Quality Framework, helping SFO better understand the relationship between outdoor and indoor air and manage air quality in occupied spaces. He will provide relevant data and how to use data to guide operational improvements. SFO has conducted a Triple Bottom Line Cost Analysis (TBLCA) to quantify the economic, environmental, and social benefits of air quality monitoring. Eric Bill from Autocase will present findings and provide guidance on building a strong business case for integrating real-time air quality strategies into infrastructure projects. This session is essential for airports, large campuses, commercial buildings, and policymakers looking to integrate data-driven air quality strategies into high-performance environments while demonstrating measurable business value.