Airport News

Airport News

San Diego International Airport unveiled its Green Build expansion at Terminal 2 to the media yesterday (6 August). The Green Build, which is the largest project in the airport’s history, was completed on schedule and is expected to be US$45m (£29m) under budget at a total cost of US$907m (£583m).

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority named the project “The Green Build” to mark its commitment to sustainability and the environment. Highlights of the expansion include 10 new gates, a dual-level roadway to separate arriving and departing passengers, more security lanes, a new 2,323m² ticket lobby and more shopping and dining options.

“These improvements will provide an easier, more pleasant travelling experience for passengers, while enabling San Diego International Airport to serve the region’s air travel needs for years to come,” said Thella Bowens, president/CEO of the Airport Authority.

The Airport Authority awarded more than US$415m (£271m) in contracts to local businesses, with US$118m (£77m) going to small businesses, as part of an outreach programme.

“We’re incredibly proud that The Green Build has funnelled millions of dollars back into the San Diego economy,” said Robert Gleason, board chair of the Airport Authority. “We made a strong commitment to providing opportunities for small and local businesses to earn work on this project, and those efforts were a huge success.”

The Green Build is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. Official LEED status is currently under consideration and expected by mid-2014.

The project’s sustainable highlights include low-flow fixtures, reserved parking spaces for alternative-fuel vehicles in front of the terminals, a reflective roof that decreases heat absorption and reduces air conditioning needs and also solar panels capable of producing 2 kilowatts of energy per year. The project also incorporated the use of natural light, particularly in the expanded 855m² concessions area called Sunset Cove that features floor-to-ceiling windows.

In addition to these features, 54,000 tons of construction material waste from the project, more than 95%, was diverted from landfills and much of it was recycled or reused on site.

User fees, airport revenue bonds, airport cash and FAA grants funded The Green Build. San Diego Airport will showcase the expansion to the public this weekend (10-11 August). The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on 9 August and The Green Build will open fully to the travelling public on 13 August.