Airport News
San Diego International Airport’s new Green Build terminal, which became operational in August last year, has become the first commercial airport terminal in the world to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification.
LEED certification is considered the industry standard in defining and measuring environmentally friendly, sustainable construction, with LEED Platinum being the highest certification attainable. LEED Platinum was awarded for the terminal portion of The Green Build, including the 42,700m² expansion of Terminal 2 West and 120,800m² of new aircraft apron and taxiway areas.
“We are excited to have the first commercial airport terminal in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification,” said Thella Bowens, president/CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “A minimum of LEED Silver certification is the standard for all new construction projects at the airport, but Platinum for a project of this significance exemplifies this organisation’s deep commitment to sustainable building practices.”
Sustainable elements of the terminal and airside improvements include solar energy panels capable of producing one megawatt of electricity to the building, which equates to 12.5% of the terminal’s projected annual energy use; water conservation in the form of low-flow water fixtures that will save the airport approximately four million gallons of water annually; and drought-tolerant landscaping.
The airport also invested in storm water pollution prevention through the airfield storm drain filtration system, which is designed to remove 80% of the total suspended solids that accumulate on airfield pavements, preventing them from entering San Diego Bay.
The Green Build’s energy conservation measures include natural light used to illuminate the building interior; energy-efficient lighting and equipment; reflective rooftops used to minimise the building’s heat absorption and reduce air conditioning needs; and power and preconditioned air units at the 10 new gates, which result in a reduced need for aircraft auxiliary power units and/or ground power units.
The terminal also achieved improved indoor environmental quality through the use of low volatile organic compound adhesives, sealants,
paints and coatings.
The design and build contractor for
the US$907m (£540m) Green Build project was Turner Construction Company, PCL Construction and
Flatiron Construction Corporation.
The project was completed on time
and approximately US$45m (£27m) under budget.
“From the outset, The Green Build
was designed with an eye toward the environment,” said Dan McGuckin, operations manager for Turner Construction Company. “Not only were we able to reduce our environmental footprint during the construction process, but we’ve constructed a new terminal that will be 32% more energy efficient than the standard code. We’re extremely proud of that.”
