STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Port Authority’s commitment to sustainability is receiving international recognition.

The Port Authority’s five airports -- JFK International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, New York Stewart International and Teterboro -- all received the highest possible carbon rating, aside from outright carbon neutrality, from Airports Council International (ACI).

“The Port Authority has taken aggressive steps to achieve sustainable growth, promote environmental efficiency in its operational activities and reduce the impact of aviation on climate change,” said Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We look forward to continuing to work with our stakeholders and partners to achieve additional greenhouse gas reductions.”

The airports received Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation from ACI, which measures the effectiveness of the airport’s emission-reduction plans and programs.

With only 14 airports in North America receiving Level 3 accreditation, Port Authority’s five locations represent over one-third of all Level 3 airports in North America.

“Reducing airport emissions requires extraordinary teamwork and collective attention to reducing our carbon footprint. The ACI score this year reflects the benefits of sustainability programs the Port Authority has put in place, and the critical nature of internal and external collaboration,” said Christine Weydig, director of the Port Authority’s Office of Environmental and Energy Programs.

In October, the Port Authority became the first public transportation agency in the United States to embrace the Paris Climate Agreement, with the stated mission of reducing Port Authority greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2025, and 80 percent by 2050.

“ACI’s ratings recognize our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and adhere to the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement,” said Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton.